A group of paleontologists are examining the fossils of a dinosaur in Asia. They find that fossils of certain transition stages of this species are not available. Using the theory of gradualism, how would you interpret this information?

a. stasis for a long time interval
b.imperfection of fossil records
c. genetic mutation

Question

A group of paleontologists are examining the fossils of a dinosaur in Asia. They find that fossils of certain transition stages of this species are not available. Using the theory of gradualism, how would you interpret this information?

a. stasis  for a long time interval
b.imperfection of fossil records
c. genetic mutation

thomaster · Answer

If phyletic gradualism were true, species should be undergoing constant modifications, and we would expect to find fossils of at least some of the transitional species. But the fossil record provides no evidence that any such transitional species ever existed. So i think it's an imperfection of fossil records