Which of the following descriptions best represents the gradual model of speciation?
A) Speciation occurs regularly as a result of the accumulation of many small changes.
B) An isolated population differentiates quickly from its parent stock as it adapts to its local environment.
C) Speciation occurs under unusual circumstances and therefore transitional fossils are hard to find.
D) Species undergo little change over long periods interrupted only by short periods of rapid change.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gradual model of speciation suggests that speciation occurs through a series of small changes accumulating over time. This is in contrast to the punctuated equilibrium model, which proposes that speciation occurs rapidly in isolated populations. Option B describes the punctuated equilibrium model, while option C suggests that transitional fossils are hard to find, which is true for both models of speciation. Option D describes the idea of stasis, which is another proposed pattern of evolution but not specifically related to speciation.

Which of the Following Descriptions Best Represents the Gradual Model