patterns in the fossil record indicate

Answer 1

that there have been periods of rapid evolution and diversification, as well as periods of mass extinctions. These patterns suggest that evolution is not a gradual process, but rather occurs in short bursts during times of environmental change or stress. Additionally, the fossil record shows that species do not necessarily evolve in a linear progression, but can branch off and create new lineages. This indicates that evolution is a complex and dynamic process influenced by a variety of factors.