Evolutionary Theory

Question 1

catastrophism

Answer 1

The view that the earth’s geological landscape (and species) is the result of violent cataclysmic events. Cuvier promoted this view, especially in opposition to Lamarck.

Question 2

uniformitarianism

Answer 2

theory that the earth’s features are the result of long-term processes that continue to operate in the present just as they did in the past. Elaborated on by Lyell, this theory opposed catastrophism and contributed strongly to the concept of immense geological time.

Question 3

great chain of being

Answer 3

idea that there is a set nature of species, and thus each create has an absolute place in the Great Chain