Question

biology lcp 1 25 - 26

1. certain species of the coral - like sea organisms called bryozoans first appeared about 140 million years ago. they remained unchanged for the first 40 million years and then suddenly experienced rapid genetic change.

which process would best account for the pattern of evolution in bryozoans?
convergent evolution
differentiation
punctuated equilibrium
gradualism
clear all

Explanation:

Punctuated equilibrium describes long periods of stasis (unchanged state) interrupted by rapid evolutionary changes. Bryozoans remained unchanged for 40 million years then had rapid genetic change, fitting this pattern. Convergent evolution is when different species independently evolve similar traits. Differentiation is about cells becoming specialized. Gradualism is slow, continuous evolution over time.

Answer:

C. Punctuated equilibrium