How fast does evolution by natural selection take place?
A) It is such a slow process that a single adaptation requires millions of years.
B) It is so slow that it cannot be seen in the fossil record.
C) It is fast enough that several new species can evolve from other forms in a few million years.
D) It is so rapid that new species often evolve in a matter of decades.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural selection can lead to significant changes in populations in relatively short periods of time, such as a few million years, which is a short time in the geological time scale. While evolution can occur rapidly in some cases, it typically takes longer than decades for new species to evolve. However, this is still much faster than the time required for a single adaptation, which can take millions of years. The fossil record also provides evidence of relatively rapid changes, such as the diversification of mammals after the extinction of the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago.

How Fast Does Evolution by Natural Selection Take Place