AP BIOLOGY

EVOLUTION

THE ORIGIN OF LIFE

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Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]

If, like the horse, all of the transitional forms for a species are found in the fossil record, which model of evolution most likely occurred in that species?

A	punctuated equilibrium
B	gradualism
C	adaptive radiation
D	convergent evolution

Explanation:

Detailed explanation-1: -Horse evolution was previously believed to be a linear progress, but after more fossils were discovered, it was determined the evolution of horses was more complex and multi-branched. Horses have evolved from gradual change ( anagenesis ) as well as abrupt progression and division ( cladogenesis ).

Detailed explanation-2: -A transitional fossil is any fossilized remains of a life form that exhibits traits common to both an ancestral group and its derived descendant group. This is especially important where the descendant group is sharply differentiated by gross anatomy and mode of living from the ancestral group.

Detailed explanation-3: -A “transitional form” is a species that is intermediate between two different species. However, due to the special circumstances required for preservation of living things, only a very small percentage of all life forms that ever have existed will have their remains unearthed for study.

There is 1 question to complete.