Question

Based on the information is transformational or variational evolution taking place? explain

The fossil Zee examples has the six legs typical of the family and it appears that the ancient Zee population contained individuals with a range of tail lengths, from a long tail to the absence of a tail, save for a few coccyx bones. The extant Zee species have only the remnants of the tail (those few coccyx bones). When scientists looked at the fossils throughout time, the frequency of tailed Zee-s decreased from ancient to modern time. The major predator of the Zee includes large raptors (birds) and it has been hypothesized that tailed Zee-s may have been easier to catch than tail-less species. The decrease in frequency of tailed Zee-s coincides with the increase of raptor fossils in the same rock layers.

Answer 1

A transformational theory of evolution is when transformations within a generation are inherited and subsequently modified by environment. A variational theory is when differential survival/reproduction of individuals with different heritable traits between generations.

Based on the fossil evidence, it appears that the original population of Furred Zee's split, where a subset of population moved towards the south and became isolated after an earthquake created a large rift through the continent. The southern Zee population evolved over time to have significantly less fur that the original population and differences in tail lengths, coccyx bones, and legs etc. And have been considered a separate species.