Rates of Change

Gradualism refers to the slow and steady change in species over time

punctuated equilibrium, which suggests rapid changes followed by periods of stability

• I read the information above

• I did not read the information above

Match the following terms with their descriptions.

• A change in the DNA sequence of an organism.

• Natural selection

• The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

• Gradualism

• The slow and steady change in species over time.

• Punctuated equilibrium

• A theory that species evolve during short periods of rapid change.

• Mutation

Answer explanation

Gradualism refers to the slow and steady change in species over time, contrasting with punctuated equilibrium, which suggests rapid changes followed by periods of stability. Thus, gradualism is the correct term for this process.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is an example of evidence for evolution?

• Fossil record

• Weather patterns

• Ocean currents

• Rock formations

Answer explanation

The fossil record provides physical evidence of past life forms and their changes over time, supporting the theory of evolution. In contrast, weather patterns, ocean currents, and rock formations do not directly demonstrate evolutionary processes.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

Explain how the fossil record supports the theory of evolution.

• It shows that all species appeared at the same time.

• It provides evidence of gradual changes in species over time.

• It indicates that species do not change over time.

• It shows that species are unrelated.

Answer explanation

The fossil record provides evidence of gradual changes in species over time, showing how organisms have evolved and adapted. This supports the theory of evolution by illustrating the process of natural selection and speciation.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

The concept of 'Abrupt appearance' explains the sudden emergence of new species in the fossil record. This concept highlights the rapid appearance of distinct species

gradualism, suggests slow changes over time

• i understand

• I don't understand

Which concept explains the sudden appearance of new species in the fossil record?

• Gradualism

• Natural selection

• Abrupt appearance

• Genetic drift

Answer explanation

The concept of 'Abrupt appearance' explains the sudden emergence of new species in the fossil record, contrasting with gradualism, which suggests slow changes over time. This concept highlights the rapid appearance of distinct species.

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

In the context of the fossil record, stasis refers to a period of little or no evolutionary change in species, indicating stability over time rather than rapid evolution or extinction.

• Got it

• I'm not into reading

Describe the concept of stasis in the context of the fossil record.

• It refers to the rapid evolution of species.

• It indicates a period of little or no evolutionary change.

• It shows the extinction of species.

• It represents the formation of new species.

Answer explanation

In the context of the fossil record, stasis refers to a period of little or no evolutionary change in species, indicating stability over time rather than rapid evolution or extinction.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following best describes punctuated equilibrium?

• Evolution occurs at a constant, slow pace.

• Evolution is marked by long periods of stability interrupted by brief periods of rapid change.

• Evolution is driven solely by natural selection.

• Evolution occurs only in isolated populations.

Answer explanation

Punctuated equilibrium describes evolution as having long periods of stability, with brief, rapid changes occurring at intervals. This contrasts with the idea of constant, slow evolution, making the second choice the correct one.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Match the following evolutionary concepts with their descriptions.

• One theory involves quick changes; the other involves gradual shifts.

• Both suggest that species do not change over time.

• Evolutionary change is consistent and unvarying.

• Gradualism suggests slow change, while punctuated equilibrium suggests rapid change followed by stability.

• Neither theory supports the idea of species evolution.

• Both suggest that evolution occurs at a constant rate.

• One theory involves slow, steady change; the other involves quick shifts and long periods of stability.

• Gradualism suggests rapid change, while punctuated equilibrium suggests slow change.

Answer explanation

Gradualism posits that evolution occurs slowly over time, while punctuated equilibrium suggests that species experience rapid changes followed by long periods of stability. This distinction highlights the correct choice.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking