Question

which example illustrates gradualism in the evolution of tiger stripes? a mutation caused stripes to appear suddenly in a few individuals. environmental changes led to rapid evolution of stripes. stripes were polished up after a mutation caused stripe - like markings. stripes formed gradually over many generations due to small variations.

Explanation:

Gradualism in evolution is the idea that species evolve through small, incremental changes over many generations. Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1 (A mutation caused stripes to appear suddenly in a few individuals): This describes a sudden change, not gradualism.
• Option 2 (Environmental changes led to rapid evolution of stripes): Rapid evolution is more in line with punctuated equilibrium, not gradualism.
• Option 3 (Stripes were polished up after a mutation caused stripe - like markings): This implies a two - step process but doesn't emphasize the gradual accumulation over many generations.
• Option 4 (Stripes formed gradually over many generations due to small variations): This fits the definition of gradualism as it involves small changes over a long period (many generations) leading to the evolution of the trait (tiger stripes).

Answer:

1. Stripes formed gradually over many generations due to small variations.