One of the key contributions of the punctuated equilibrium model is that it helps explain
A) why transitional fossils are more common than Darwin would have predicted.
B) why transitional fossils tend to be rare and certain common fossil species remain unchanged for long time spans.
C) how new species arise from hybridization events.
D) why large, widespread populations tend to be the ones that evolve most rapidly and unpredictably.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The punctuated equilibrium model suggests that species remain largely unchanged for long periods of time (stasis), punctuated by periods of relatively rapid evolution, leading to new species. This can explain why certain common fossil species remain unchanged for long time spans (stasis) while transitional fossils tend to be rare (rapid evolution).

One of the Key Contributions of the Punctuated Equilibrium Model