A species of bird with three-toed feet feed mostly on worms and crawling insects. Over a period of several thousand years, the ocean level rises, and the region where the bird lives is flooded. Over several thousand years or so, the birds' descendants evolve webbed feet and begin to feed on fish. Is this an example of gradualism or punctuated equilibrium? Explain.
2007-03-07 17:19:09 · 3 answers · asked by confidential 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
This is a distinct case of the "gradualism" model of evolution since this occurs over time and is not accelerated by mass extinction or other natural disasters. Punctuated equlibirum suggests that changes occur in rapid bursts; several thousand years usually suggests a more gradual model.
It is important to remember that biologists do not consider either model "correct"; they believe that both occur.
2007-03-07 17:38:03 · answer #1 · answered by John H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it can actually be either of the two but i guess the best would be gradualism... because this evolution of bird did not take such a quick time... it was a slow process.... the extinction was not a sudden disaster or anything
2007-03-08 01:37:00 · answer #2 · answered by PcH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is evolution
2007-03-08 01:22:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋