Question

3 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 account for the pattern of evolution in bryozoans? convergent evolution differentiation punctuated equilibrium gradualism clear all

Explanation:

Punctuated equilibrium describes a pattern where species remain relatively unchanged for long periods (stasis) and then experience rapid evolutionary change. Bryozoans remained unchanged for 40 million years and then had rapid genetic change, which fits this pattern. Convergent evolution is when different species independently evolve similar traits. Differentiation is about cells becoming specialized. Gradualism is slow, continuous evolutionary change over time.

Answer:

Punctuated equilibrium