In the fossil record, species suddenly appear, remain more or less unchanged for varying periods of geologic time, and then disappear from the record. This trend best supports the theory of:
A) evolutionary gradualism.
B) punctuated equilibrium.
C) cladistic analysis.
D) phyletic speciation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pattern of species appearing suddenly in the fossil record, remaining relatively unchanged, and then disappearing aligns with the theory of punctuated equilibrium. This theory suggests that evolution occurs in sharp, sudden changes followed by long periods of stability, rather than through the slow, steady process proposed by evolutionary gradualism.

In the Fossil Record, Species Suddenly Appear, Remain More or Less