A discontinued line in an evolutionary tree indicates:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Discontinuation of a lineage in an evolutionary tree signifies that the species has gone extinct. Therefore, option A is the best choice for this question. Gradualism refers to the slow and steady rate of evolution, punctuated equilibrium explains the pattern of evolution where long periods of stasis are interrupted by rapid bursts of change, convergent evolution explains the independent development of similar features in unrelated species due to similar selective pressures, and temporal isolation refers to a mechanism of reproductive isolation where two populations reproduce at different times.

A Discontinued Line in an Evolutionary Tree Indicates