AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The pattern of evolution that involves short periods of rapid change is called punctuated equilibrium.

Detailed explanation-2: -The gradualism model depicts evolution as a slow steady process in which organisms change and develop slowly over time. In contrast, the punctuated equilibrium model depicts evolution as long periods of no evolutionary change followed by rapid periods of change.

Detailed explanation-3: -Elephant Ears Gradualism Example Over a period of many, many years, a population of elephants develops larger ears to help protect the elephants from the sun and keep them cool. This larger ear eventually becomes a physical feature of the entire population of elephants.

Detailed explanation-4: -The theory of punctuated equilibrium states that evolutionary change is characterised by short periods of rapid evolution followed by longer periods of stasis in which no change occurs.