Which of the following statements about the punctuated and gradual models of speciation is most accurate?
A) Although speciation can occur rapidly or gradually, the fossil record is not always detailed enough to determine how rapidly a particular speciation event proceeded.
B) The fossil record can only determine if the punctuated model is relevant or not to a particular speciation event.
C) Genetic differences can only determine if the gradual model is relevant or not to a particular speciation event.
D) The fossil record can be used to determine which speciation model best explains a particular speciation event.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The punctuated and gradual models of speciation describe different rates at which species evolve. The fossil record, while useful, often lacks the detail necessary to precisely determine the speed of speciation events, supporting the idea that both rapid (punctuated) and gradual speciation can occur but may not always be distinguishable in the fossil record.

Which of the Following Statements About the Punctuated and Gradual