Question

The rock and fossil record shows that ______. all of the changes during Earth's history have been slow and gradual. the Earth has not changed very much over the course of its history. both gradual and sudden changes have occurred during Earth's history all of the changes during Earth's history have been very sudden.

Answer 1

The rock and fossil record shows that **both gradual and sudden changes have occurred during Earth's history**. This reflects the concept of gradualism alongside punctuated equilibrium, indicating that while many geological and biological changes occur slowly over time, there are also significant events (such as mass extinctions) that can bring about rapid changes in the fossil record.