The principle of uniformitarianism
A)stated that the geological processes that operated in the past are still occurring in the present.
B)was a problem for the development of evolutionary theories.
C)proposed that the earth was only a few thousand years old.
D)was the same as the theory of catastrophism.
E)was first proposed by Georges Cuvier.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of uniformitarianism, first clearly formulated by James Hutton in the late 18th century and later popularized by Charles Lyell in the 19th century, posits 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. This principle is fundamental to geology and supports the idea that by understanding current geological processes, we can interpret geological history. It contrasts with catastrophism, which suggests that Earth's features are the result of sudden, short-lived, violent events.

The Principle of Uniformitarianism