Gradualism is a pattern of evolution in which
A. a single species evolves into several closely related species.
B. several distantly related species develop similarities.
C. a species evolves at a slow, steady pace.
D. a species has periods of little evolution interrupted by periods of rapid evolution.
 
Mass extinction would most likely result from which of the following events?
A. A disease kills off a single species of predator within an ecosystem.
B. A wildfire burns a national park.
C. Global temperatures drop several degrees after several massive volcanic eruptions.
D. A massive earthquake strikes North America.