1.2.4 The Emerging Science of Geology

Question 1

George Cuvier and James Hutton

Answer 1

• presented opposing theories for explaining geological

processes. Their theories were catastrophism and gradualism, respectively.

Question 2

catastrophism

Answer 2

• the earth’s landscape is shaped by global catastrophes

Question 3

gradualism

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Charles Lyell

Answer 4

• 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.

Question 5

note

Answer 5

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

Question 6

John Ray

Answer 6

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

Question 7

George Curvier

Answer 7

• (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.

Question 8

James Hutton

Answer 8

• 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.

Question 9

Charles Darwin

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

Who proposed the idea of catastrophism?

Answer 10

• George Cuvier

Question 11

Which theory states that geological processes have not changed over time?

Answer 11

• uniformitarianism

Question 12

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

Answer 12

• The geological history of the Earth was shaped by catastrophes

Question 13

True or false?

Hutton’s theory of gradualism differs fundamentally from Lyell’s theory of uniformitarianism.

Answer 13

• false

Question 14

According to the theory of gradualism,

Answer 14

• the earth’s geological features are formed by slow continuous processes