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Multiple Choice
Lyell's principle of uniformitarianism __________.
A
was rejected by Darwin in favor of catastrophism
B
was compatible with the idea of Earth being only a few thousand years old
C
was similar to Lamarck's theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics
D
states that current geologic processes are very different from those that operated in the past
E
strongly influenced Darwin's view of how living organisms could change over time
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the principle of uniformitarianism: It is the concept that the same natural laws and processes that operate in the universe now have always operated in the universe in the past and apply everywhere in the universe.
Recognize that uniformitarianism suggests that the Earth's features developed through long-term processes that continue to operate today, rather than through sudden, short-lived, catastrophic events.
Consider how this principle influenced Darwin: It provided a framework for understanding gradual change over long periods, which is a key component of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
Contrast uniformitarianism with catastrophism: Catastrophism is the idea that Earth's features were shaped by sudden, short-lived, violent events, which is contrary to the gradualism of uniformitarianism.
Connect the principle to Darwin's work: Darwin applied the idea of gradual change over time to biological evolution, suggesting that species evolve through small, incremental changes rather than sudden transformations.