Asked by no
complete the chart below to explain the models of evolution listed in the chart
theory or model description
hypothesis of acquired characteristics:
theory of evolution by natural selection:
gradualism:
punctuated equilibrium:
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
theory or model description
hypothesis of acquired characteristics: Proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (early 1800s). Traits an organism acquires during its lifetime (through use or disuse of organs or from its behavior) are passed directly to its offspring, so species change because individuals adapt during their lives and transmit those changes. Largely discredited as a general mechanism by modern genetics (but some environmentally induced epigenetic effects can be inherited transiently).
theory of evolution by natural selection: Proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace (mid-1800s). Individuals vary, variation is heritable, and organisms produce more offspring than can survive; those with heritable traits that increase survival or reproduction leave more descendants, causing populations to change (adapt) over generations. Forms the core of the Modern Synthesis when combined with Mendelian genetics; explains adaptation and speciation through differential reproductive success.
gradualism: The idea that evolutionary change is slow, continuous, and accumulates by many small steps over long periods of time (classically associated with Darwin’s view). Predicts a smooth series of transitional forms in the fossil record as traits slowly shift. Modern paleontology and genetics accept gradual change as common, though rates can vary.
punctuated equilibrium: Proposed by Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould (1972). Species remain relatively stable (stasis) for long periods, with most morphological change occurring relatively rapidly in short, geologically brief bursts associated with speciation events (often in small, isolated populations). Explains gaps in the fossil record and complements rather than wholly replaces gradual change—evolutionary rates vary with circumstances.
hypothesis of acquired characteristics: Proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (early 1800s). Traits an organism acquires during its lifetime (through use or disuse of organs or from its behavior) are passed directly to its offspring, so species change because individuals adapt during their lives and transmit those changes. Largely discredited as a general mechanism by modern genetics (but some environmentally induced epigenetic effects can be inherited transiently).
theory of evolution by natural selection: Proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace (mid-1800s). Individuals vary, variation is heritable, and organisms produce more offspring than can survive; those with heritable traits that increase survival or reproduction leave more descendants, causing populations to change (adapt) over generations. Forms the core of the Modern Synthesis when combined with Mendelian genetics; explains adaptation and speciation through differential reproductive success.
gradualism: The idea that evolutionary change is slow, continuous, and accumulates by many small steps over long periods of time (classically associated with Darwin’s view). Predicts a smooth series of transitional forms in the fossil record as traits slowly shift. Modern paleontology and genetics accept gradual change as common, though rates can vary.
punctuated equilibrium: Proposed by Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould (1972). Species remain relatively stable (stasis) for long periods, with most morphological change occurring relatively rapidly in short, geologically brief bursts associated with speciation events (often in small, isolated populations). Explains gaps in the fossil record and complements rather than wholly replaces gradual change—evolutionary rates vary with circumstances.
Submit Your Answer
We prioritize human answers over AI answers.
If you are human, and you can answer this question, please submit your answer.