Which best describes the general rate of evolution?
A - It takes at least 6.5 million years for a new species to form
B - On average it takes 6.5 million years for a new species to form
C - We do not know how long it takes for a new species to form
D - It takes no more than 4,000 years for a new species to form
E - It takes no more than 40 million years for a new species to form
Answer: B - On average it takes 6.5 million years for a new species to form
IT takes such a long time for populations to evolve because the changes occur slowly over many generations. It does not always happen at this rate but as quickly as 4,000 years or as slow as 40 million years.