George Cuvier and James Hutton

- presented opposing theories for explaining geological processes. Their theories were catastrophism and gradualism, respectively.

- the earth’s landscape is shaped by global catastrophes

- the earth’s geological features are a result of slow, continuous processes

- expanded the theory of gradualism into uniformitarianism - (1797–1875) expanded Hutton’s theory of gradualism into the theory of uniformitarianism. Lyell proposed that geological processes have remained “uniform” throughout history. For example, the rate at which sedimentation occurs has remained constant over the earth’s entire history.

- The emerging science of geology helped to lay the groundwork for Darwin’s theory of evolution.

- (1627–1705) noted that fossils were the remnants of once living organisms.

- (1769–1832) studied the stratification of sediment. He supported the idea of catastrophism, which states that the boundaries of each layer of strata correspond to a catastrophe that destroyed the species of the time.

- in 1785, proposed gradualism as an alternative theory to catastrophism. He hypothesized that it was possible to explain variations in landforms by geological processes, such as sedimentation, that are still in operation. According to this theory, older layers of strata that contain fossils will be found underneath newer layers.

- influenced by two implications of Hutton and Lyell’s work: 1. If geological processes are gradual, the earth must be much more than 6,000 years old (the age assigned by theologians). 2. Slow, continuous processes can result in large changes

Darwin was influenced by the implications of Hutton and Lyell’s work. All of the following are logical implications except:

- The geological history of the Earth was shaped by catastrophes

According to the theory of gradualism,

- the earth's geological features are formed by slow continuous processes

1.2.4 The Emerging Science of Geology Flashcards by Irina Soloshenko

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1.2.4 The Emerging Science of Geology Flashcards

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