Rate of Change Study Guide

Gradualism

An evolution pattern showing tiny changes in a species gradually adding up to major changes over long periods of time.

Punctuated Equilibrium

An evolution patterns showing species evoltuion during short periods of rapid change which are followed by longer periods of little or no change.

A natural catastrophe such as a river or volcano, may separate group members.

Catastrophe; barrier

Evolution explains how variation can lead to changed in a species.

Evolution; natural selection

A new species can form when a group of individuals remains completely separated from the rest of its family long enough to evolve different traits that prevent reproduction.

Family; species

What is a pattern of new species forming over very long periods of time?

Gradualism

What occurs when some members of a species cut off?

Isolation

What aren't the cow and dog able to do because they are separate species?

Mate or reproduce

What are some examples of natural barriers that can separate group members?

Natural barriers that can separate species group members are rivers, volcanos, and mountain ranges.

How do new species form?

New species form when a group of individuals becomes separated from the rest of the species for long enough to evolve different traits that prevent reproduction.

What is it called when there is a pattern of new species evovlivng during short periods of time?

Punctuated Equilibrium

The fossil record shows patterns of gradualism over short periods of time.

Short; long

What evidence in the fossil record supports gradualism?

The evidence in the fossil record that supports gradualism is the intermediate forms of organisms showing graual change.

Scientists have developed three patterns to describe the rate of evolution.

True

The Kaibab squirrel and the Abert's squirrel are members of the same species. True or False?

True