[Campbell Biology P.570] Based on the "Speciation Rates" section, what is a defining charact... | Practice Question

Based on the "Speciation Rates" section, what is a defining characteristic of the "punctuated pattern" of speciation as suggested by fossil evidence?

  • A: It involves a continuous and gradual accumulation of minor changes over long geological periods.
  • B: Species appear suddenly in the fossil record, show little to no subsequent change, and then become extinct relatively quickly.
  • C: It is primarily observed in species where clear evidence of reproductive isolation can be found in their fossilized remains.
  • D: It only occurs through hybridization events that involve a change in chromosome number.

Explanation

The text explains that the punctuated pattern in the fossil record suggests that species appear suddenly, show little to no change for long periods lingered , and then become extinct, implying that speciation events themselves occurred relatively rapidly. This contrasts with a gradual, continuous change over millions of years.