Which statement correctly describes punctuated equilibrium? A. Species endured long periods of little change in physical features and then had a brief period of rapid change. B. New species that evolved from a single ancestral species inhabited the same geographica region C. Species evolved slowly and continuously over long periods of geologic time. D. New species that arose through mutations are evident in the fossil record of a region.

## Step 1<br />Punctuated equilibrium is a theory in evolutionary biology that suggests that species experience long periods of little change, known as stasis, followed by short periods of rapid change. This theory contrasts with the traditional view of gradualism, which posits that species evolve slowly and continuously over time.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Option A accurately describes punctuated equilibrium, stating that species endure long periods of little change in physical features and then experience a brief period of rapid change.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option B describes a situation where new species evolve from a single ancestral species and inhabit the same geographical region. This is not a description of punctuated equilibrium.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option C describes the theory of gradualism, which is the opposite of punctuated equilibrium. Gradualism suggests that species evolve slowly and continuously over long periods of geologic time.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option D suggests that new species that arise through mutations are evident in the fossil record of a region. This is not a description of punctuated equilibrium.