Which of the following best describes the pattern of punctuated equilibrium in evolution?
A. Speciation events occur relatively rapidly.
B. Small changes that accumulate over long periods of time lead to the formation of a new species and the extinction of the old species.
C. Small changes that accumulate over long periods of time lead to the divergence of one species into two or more species.
D. Speciation occurs when random changes accumulate over long periods of time.
E. Geographic isolation is the predominant mechanism of speciation.
Answer: A. Speciation events occur relatively rapidly.