Tortoise and Hare

Who proposed the theory of punctuated equilibrium in 1972?

• Donald Prothero

• Richard Milner

• Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge

• Charles Darwin

What does the theory of punctuated equilibrium suggest about the evolution of species?

• Species evolution involves long periods of stability interrupted by brief periods of rapid change.

• Species evolution is completely random.

• Species evolve continuously over time.

• Species do not evolve.

According to the text, what is a species?

• A group of organisms that can interbreed under natural conditions.

• A classification for a type of rock.

• A single organism that is isolated from others.

• A type of fossil found in geological layers.

Which example is used in the text to illustrate species differences?

• Roses and tulips

• Jaguars, leopards, lions, and tigers

• Dogs and wolves

• Sharks and dolphins

What does the fossil record suggest according to Gould and Eldredge?

• Transitional forms are rare because they existed briefly and were geographically limited.

• Transitional forms are abundant.

• Fossils do not provide useful information.

• All species have transitional forms.

What is the main reason for species stability during environmental changes according to punctuated equilibrium?

• Species undergo rapid genetic mutations.

• Species adapt quickly to new environments.

• Species migrate to suitable environments rather than adapting.

• All species are inherently stable.

What event is cited as a cause for the mass extinction of dinosaurs?

• Overhunting by other species

• A massive volcanic eruption

• A global flood

• An asteroid collision with Earth

How do Gould and Eldredge view mass extinctions in the context of evolution?

• As minor events that barely affect species

• As events that provide opportunities for new species to evolve

• As major pruning events that significantly shape the course of evolution

• As completely irrelevant to evolutionary processes

What does Donald Prothero say about species stability?

• Species change frequently to adapt to new climates.

• Species only change when there are no climatic changes.

• Species are stable even when there are significant climatic changes.

• Species stability is a myth.

What is the exception to the pattern of punctuated equilibrium found in marine organisms?

• Coral reefs

• Plankton

• Sharks

• Whales