Which model posits long periods of stasis interrupted by brief bursts of rapid evolution?

• A. Macroevolution
• B. Null hypothesis
• C. Punctuated equilibrium
• D. Kin selection

Answer: (C)

Punctuated equilibrium describes long stretches of little or no evolutionary change (stasis) that are periodically punctuated by brief, rapid bursts of change during speciation. This pattern fits the fossil record where many species appear suddenly with few intermediate forms and then remain relatively unchanged for long periods. The idea focuses on tempo—most evolutionary change happens in short, intense episodes rather than gradually over time—often in small, isolated populations during speciation events. That makes it the best answer for describing long periods of stasis interrupted by quick evolutionary bursts. Other terms here point to broader or different concepts: macroevolution covers large-scale patterns without specifying this tempo, the null hypothesis is a statistical baseline for tests, and kin selection explains social behavior through inclusive fitness, none of which capture the rapid-change bursts characteristic of punctuated equilibrium.