The concept of punctuated equilibrium challenges the traditional view of evolution by suggesting:
Evolution proceeds at a constant, gradual rate.
Long periods of stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
Evolutionary changes occur only in small, isolated populations.
Acquired characteristics are inherited and drive evolutionary change.
Related Questions
Which observation MOST directly challenges the idea of a universally applicable “molecular clock” for dating evolutionary divergence?
Fossil evidence sometimes contradicts molecular clock estimates.
Mutation rates can be influenced by environmental factors.
Different genes evolve at different rates, even within the same lineage.
Horizontal gene transfer can introduce new genes into a lineage.
