You are examining the fossil record and notice that through time a series of fossils exhibits very little change.During the period of time you are studying,this fossil lineage can be described as exhibiting ______.
A) genetic drift
B) punctuation
C) gradualism
D) equilibrium

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fossil lineage exhibiting very little change over time indicates that it is in equilibrium, which means that there is no significant evolutionary change occurring. This is also known as stasis. Genetic drift refers to random fluctuations in allele frequencies, and punctuated equilibrium and gradualism both describe patterns of evolution that involve periods of sudden change or long, slow change, respectively.

You Are Examining the Fossil Record and Notice That Through