Which statement best exemplifies Lyell's ideas, which led Darwin to formulate his own views on evolution?
A) Large-scale volcanic eruptions can quickly alter the landscape.
B) A catastrophic earthquake could almost instantaneously wipe out many species.
C) Coastline formation has occurred almost imperceptibly slowly, but it can operate over vast spans of time, even many millions of years.
D) Species of the temperate regions of South America are more similar to those of tropical South America than they are to temperate European species.
E) Species of the temperate regions of South America are more similar to temperate European species than they are to those of tropical South America.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lyell's ideas included the concept of uniformitarianism, which suggests that slow and gradual processes over long time periods can shape the Earth's surface. This idea influenced Darwin's understanding of how evolution occurred over long periods of time through small, incremental changes. Choice C best exemplifies this idea.

Which Statement Best Exemplifies Lyell's Ideas, Which Led Darwin to Formulate