Gradual changes in the frequency of diseases over long periods are known as SECULAR TIME TRENDS. For example, the rate of mortality in USA due to coronary heart diseases over a period of time. Onset of puberty in girls is also a secular time trend. 
Secular time trend is also referred as Secular Variation and Secular Drift. 
        
             
        
        
        
I would say superior but since it isn’t on here then maybe distal?
        
                    
             
        
        
        
Answer:
It was previously thought that land plants evolved from stonewort-like algae. However, new research shows that the closest relatives to land plants are actually conjugating green algae such as Spirogyra.
Explanation:The explanation was kinda in the answer. 
If this helped please let me have brainliest!