Question

Certain species of coral-like sea organisms called bryozoans first appeared about 140 million years ago. They remain unchanged for the first 40 million years and then suddenly experienced rapid genetic change.

Which process would BEST account for the pattern of evolution in bryozoans?
A
Convergent evolution
B
Differentiation
C
Punctuated equilibrium
D
Gradualism

Answer 1

C

This describes punctuated equilibrium — long periods of stasis (little change) interrupted by relatively rapid bursts of evolutionary change. Gradualism, by contrast, predicts slow continuous change; convergent evolution and differentiation don't fit this pattern.