According to the punctuated equilibria model,
A) natural selection is unimportant as a mechanism of evolution.
B) given enough time, most existing species will branch gradually into new species.
C) most new species accumulate their unique features relatively rapidly as they come into existence, then change little for the rest of their duration as a species.
D) most evolution occurs in sympatric populations.
E) speciation is usually due to a single mutation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The punctuated equilibria model proposes that most new species accumulate their unique features relatively rapidly as they come into existence, and then change little for the rest of their duration as a species. This model suggests that the tempo of evolution involves long periods of stasis, punctuated by bursts of rapid change associated with speciation events.

According to the Punctuated Equilibria Model