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BIOLOGY, M3 2015 HSC 1 MC

What is the name of the theory which describes evolution as patterns of rapid first appearances or extinctions followed by periods of little or no change?

  1. Gradualism
  2. Convergence
  3. Adaptive radiation
  4. Punctuated equilibrium
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\(D\)

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  • Punctuated equilibrium describes when species adapt until they reach a stable or equilibrium state.

\(\Rightarrow D\)

BIOLOGY, M3 2018 HSC 5 MC

Darwin and Wallace proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Punctuated equilibrium differs from this theory in that punctuated equilibrium

  1. occurs in relatively short bursts of rapid change.
  2. requires genetic variation to exist in a population.
  3. is driven by selection pressures in the environment.
  4. discounts the idea that living organisms share a common ancestor.
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\(A\)

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  • Darwin and Wallace’s theory explains how species adapt overtime to their environment.
  • Punctuated equilibrium is a seperate theory which explains how species adapt until they reach a stable stage but this can be effected by rapid evolutionary change to their environment.

\(\Rightarrow A\)

BIOLOGY, M3 2002 HSC 25

  1. Define the concept of punctuated equilibrium in evolution.  (1 mark)

  2. How does punctuated equilibrium differ from the process proposed by Darwin?  (3 marks)

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a.    Punctuated equilibrium:

  • Once species adapts to their environment, they will undergo little or no evolutionary change, remaining in an equilibrium state until a rapid change to their environment forces evolutionary change.

b.    Punctuated equilibrium vs Darwin:

  • These two theories both acknowledge natural selection, but differ in the pace and pattern of evolution.
  • Darwin’s theory suggests gradual, continuous evolution, with small changes accumulating over time as species adapt to their environment.
  • In contrast, punctuated equilibrium proposes that species remain stable for long periods with drastic evolutionary changes occurring in when the environment undergoes rapid change, thus forcing quick evolutionary change.
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a.    Punctuated equilibrium:

  • Once species adapts to their environment, they will undergo little or no evolutionary change, remaining in an equilibrium state until a rapid change to their environment forces evolutionary change.

b.    Punctuated equilibrium vs Darwin:

  • These two theories both acknowledge natural selection, but differ in the pace and pattern of evolution.
  • Darwin’s theory suggests gradual, continuous evolution, with small changes accumulating over time as species adapt to their environment.
  • In contrast, punctuated equilibrium proposes that species remain stable for long periods with drastic evolutionary changes occurring in when the environment undergoes rapid change, thus forcing quick evolutionary change.