A hypothetical mutation in a squirrel population produces organisms with eight legs rather than four. Further, these mutant squirrels survive, successfully invade new habitats, and eventually give rise to a new species. The initial event, giving rise to extra legs, would be a good example of 16) A) allometry. B) species selection. C) punctuated equilibrium. D) habitat selection. E) changes in homeotic genes.

option c punctuated equilibrium

Explanation:

Punctuated equilibrium occurs in a process whereby evolutionary changes occurs in some organisms in a rapid burst of time rather the conceived gradual changes that occurs over a long period of time. this burst of time might be in about 500,000 years. It is assumed that the organism has maintained/lives in stasis for a long period without a need for change, but then, once the change takes place (most of the time, due to an environmental factor), the organism quickly adapts to its new environment with this new adaptation.

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