The following question(s) refer to the evolutionary tree in Figure 22.4, whose horizontal axis represents time (present time is on the far right) and whose vertical axis represents morphological change. Figure 22.4
- Figure 22.7
Two models for the speed of speciation are based on patterns in the fossil record. Which of the following statements describes the gradual model of evolution?

Question

The following question(s) refer to the evolutionary tree in Figure 22.4, whose horizontal axis represents time (present time is on the far right) and whose vertical axis represents morphological change.  Figure 22.4
- Figure 22.7
Two models for the speed of speciation are based on patterns in the fossil record. Which of the following statements describes the gradual model of evolution?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gradual model of evolution describes species as steadily diverging from one another, with morphological changes accruing slowly over time. This is in contrast to the punctuated model, which suggests that new species arise rapidly and in short bursts separated by periods of stasis. The absence of intermediate fossils is not specific to either model and may occur for a variety of reasons.

The Following Question(s) Refer to the Evolutionary Tree in Figure