The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection (HSC SSCE Biology): Quizzes

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Gradualism vs Punctuated Equilibrium
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Which scientist originally proposed the evolutionary pattern known as gradualism?

Charles Darwin

What does gradualism predict we should find in the fossil record?

Intermediate or transitional forms

Which organism provides strong fossil evidence supporting gradualism?

Trilobites

Who developed the theory of punctuated equilibrium in the 1970s?

Gould and Eldridge

How long have horseshoe crabs remained almost unchanged, demonstrating punctuated equilibrium?

445 million years

What does punctuated equilibrium challenge about Darwin's theory?

Rate and pattern of change

Why are transitional fossils typically absent in punctuated equilibrium?

Small populations & rapid change

What characterizes the stasis phase in punctuated equilibrium?

Little to no evolutionary change

How does speciation pattern differ between the two models?

Gradualism linear, equilibrium branched

Can both gradualism and punctuated equilibrium occur in the same species?

Yes, at different times

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