Comparison of human fossils with living humans seems to show that there have been no significant physical changes in Homo sapiens in 30,000 to 50,000 years. What might an advocate of punctuated equilibrium say about this?

• A. It is about time for humans to undergo a burst of change.
• B. That is about how long we have been reproductively isolated.
• C. It is impossible to see major internal changes by looking at fossils.
• D. You would expect a lot of skeletal changes in that time period.
• E. Lack of change is consistent with the punctuated equilibrium model.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of punctuated equilibrium: This evolutionary theory suggests that species experience long periods of stability (stasis) interrupted by short, rapid changes during speciation events.
2. Consider the evidence: The problem states that there have been no significant physical changes in Homo sapiens for 30,000 to 50,000 years, which aligns with the idea of long periods of stasis in punctuated equilibrium.
3. Evaluate the options: An advocate of punctuated equilibrium would likely argue that the lack of change is consistent with the model, as it predicts long periods without significant evolutionary changes.
4. Analyze the incorrect options: The other options suggest either a misunderstanding of the model or incorrect assumptions about the nature of evolutionary change in humans.
5. Conclude with the correct interpretation: The lack of significant physical changes in Homo sapiens over the specified time period supports the punctuated equilibrium model, which expects long periods of evolutionary stasis.