Question

gradualism and punctuated equilibrium are two theories that describe how evolution has occurred on earth. the diagram above depicts both gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. which statement best fits the theory of gradualism? select one: a. gradualism suggests that species change slowly over a long period of time. b. gradualism explains how species underwent sudden extinction due to a natural disaster. c. gradualism describes a period of time in which there is no evolutionary change. d. gradualism implies an abrupt change in a species over a short period of time.

Explanation:

Gradualism is an evolutionary theory defined by slow, continuous phenotypic changes in species across extended timeframes. Option a matches this core definition. Option b refers to catastrophic extinction, not gradualism. Option c describes stasis, a feature of punctuated equilibrium. Option d defines punctuated equilibrium's abrupt changes, not gradualism.

Answer:

a. Gradualism suggests that species change slowly over a long period of time.