C. punctuated equilibrium. Scientists believe in two evolutionary theories: gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. If punctuated equilibrium suggests species can rapidly evolve into a new species, gradualism suggests that these changes (selection and variation) happen more gradually.
The evolutionary theory of punctuated equilibrium was proposed in the year by 1972 by Stephen Jay Gould.
According to this theory in the evolution of species, there are two types of periods that occur - one is the stasis and the other is punctuation.
During punctuation, the individuals show sudden and rapid change and evolve into new species whereas in the static period they remain as it is without changing themselves.
