How would scientists determine that punctuated equilibrium occurred by examining the fossil record?

A) Scientists cannot tell if punctuated equilibrium occurred by looking at the fossil record.

B) Scientists can tell that punctuated equilibrium occurred when they see a gradual change in organisms in the fossil record.

C) Scientists would have to have the fossils of all organisms in a certain species to be able to tell if punctuated equilibrium occurred.

D) Scientists can tell that punctuated equilibrium occurred if they examine the fossil record and see that one organism rapidly evolved different characteristics.

The scientist can tell that punctured equilibrium has occurred if they have examined the fossil fuels and can see that one organism rapidly evolved different characteristics.

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

Punctured Equilibrium is an evolutionary theory which proposes that the species appearing in the fossil's record will show little evolutionary changes. In punctuated equilibrium, change occurs gradually, First very little change can be seen which later results in the occurrence of huge changes.

Such huge changes can be clearly seen by examining the fossil records. Thus if there is any evolutionary changes seen in the fossil's record, the scientist can conclude the occurrence of punctuated equilibrium.