Question

two contrasting theories of evolution explain changes in species found in fossil records. gradualism was proposed by charles darwin, and punctuated equilibrium was more recently proposed by niles eldridge and steven j. gould. which statement supports gradualism but does not support punctuated equilibrium? a species show little evolutionary change over an extended period of geological time, and as a result, stasis is seen in the fossil record. b speciation occurs during periods of rapid geological change. c speciation is a slow process that happens in steady small changes. d fossils of species found in the lower strata of the fossil record are geologically older than the species found in strata toward the top.

Explanation:

Gradualism posits that evolution occurs through slow, incremental changes over long periods. Option C describes speciation as a slow process with steady small changes, which aligns with gradualism. Punctuated equilibrium, on the other hand, involves long periods of stasis (little change) interrupted by rapid evolutionary bursts. Options A and B relate more to punctuated equilibrium (A mentions stasis, B mentions rapid change periods). Option D is about fossil age - stratum relationship, not directly about the evolutionary process mode (gradualism vs punctuated equilibrium).

Answer:

C. Speciation is a slow process that happens in steady small changes.