Charles Lyell

Briefly (but completely) describe the contribution this individual made to the scientific community. You must provide one link to an online source of information besides your textbook. No Wikipedia sources! ( 10 pts)

 

Charles Lyell was the pioneer of uniformitarianism. This was important because it suggested that the earth formed in a uniformed manner over time. He was determined to make geology a science of its own using observation and not supernatural theories.

 

http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/history_12

 

3. From the bullet point list above (under “How does evolution work?”), identify the point (or points) most directly affected by this individual’s work and thoroughly explain how this point was influenced by your selected individual. Again, this could be a positive effect, meaning Darwin built upon the knowledge this information provided, or a negative effect, meaning that Darwin demonstrated that this individual’s idea(s) were incorrect and the mechanism of natural selection was an alternative explanation. (10 pts)

 

 

If the environment changes, the traits that are helpful or adaptive to that environment will be different.

 

Lyell directly influenced Darwin’s work by giving him the means to decipher the history of the Canary Islands. Darwin used Lyell’s theory and applied it to the volcanic rock which was key to him unlocking the history of the Islands. “He influenced Darwin to view evolution as a sort of biological uniformitarianism. He theorized that small adaptations over periods of time made it easier for natural selection

 

4. Could Darwin have developed his theory of natural selection without the influence and ideas of this individual? Explain. (10 pts)

 

Lyell’s theory help Darwin to understand that evolution happens before our eyes from generation to generation. It is just to slow for us to see it. In my opinion, Darwin could not have developed his theory without understanding uniformitarianism which speaks to a process that alters over time.

 

5. How did the attitude of the church affect Darwin and his decision to publish his theory? (10 pts)

 

Darwin’s work was not recognized by the church. Darwin was a very religious man and almost did not publish his work in an effort to not bring shame and ridicule upon himself and his family.