Understanding Evolutionary Stasis

Very Hard Biology Evolution

In evolutionary biology, the concept of evolutionary stasis refers to periods where a species shows little to no evolutionary change over a long stretch of time.

This phenomenon raises intriguing questions about the mechanisms that can lead certain organisms to remain relatively unchanged despite environmental pressures. Which of the following hypotheses best explains the stability observed in some lineages, particularly in relation to ecological factors?

Species possess a high degree of genetic variation that allows them to adapt rapidly to changing conditions.

The ecological niches occupied by these species are stable over long periods, reducing selective pressures for change.

These organisms have extremely short lifecycles, resulting in faster evolutionary changes compared to long-lived species.

These species are often invasive, allowing them to outcompete and dominate ecologically, which reduces the necessity for change.

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