Gradualism Is Rarely Observed in the Fossil Record Because

question 20

Multiple Choice

Gradualism is rarely observed in the fossil record because:

• A) too many species are extinct.
• B) the fossil record is incomplete.
• C) not enough species have evolved.
• D) very few instances of speciation have been observed.
• E) more scientists believe in the model of punctuated equilibrium.

---

Definitions:

Visceral Smooth Muscle

Visceral smooth muscle is the type of muscle found in the walls of internal organs, responsible for involuntary movements such as digestion and blood vessel constriction.

Amygdala

Nucleus in the temporal lobe of the brain, amygdaloid nucleus; also called amygdaloid nuclear complex.

Temporal Lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex located beneath the temples, involved in processing auditory information and encoding memory.

Declarative Memory

A type of long-term memory that involves the capacity to recall factual information, such as events, words, and concepts.