Catastrophism, meaning the regular occurrence of geological or meteorological disturbances (catastrophes), was Cuvier's attempt to explain the existence of

the fossil record

With what other idea of his time was Cuvier's theory of catastrophism most in conflict?

uniformitarinism

What was the prevailing belief prior to the time of Lyell and Darwin?

Earth is a few thousand years old, and populations are unchanging.

During a study session about evolution, one of your fellow students remarks, "The giraffe stretched its neck while reaching for higher leaves; its offspring inherited longer necks as a result." Which statement is most likely to be helpful in correcting this student's misconception?

Characteristics acquired during an organism's life are generally not passed on through genes.

Which of the following is the most accurate summary of Cuvier's consideration of fossils found in the vicinity of Paris?

extinction of species yes; evolution of new species no

In the mid-1900s, the Soviet geneticist Lysenko believed that his winter wheat plants, exposed to ever-colder temperatures, would eventually give rise to ever more cold-tolerant winter wheat. Lysenko's attempts in this regard were most in agreement with the ideas of

Lamarck

Charles Darwin was the first person to propose

a mechanism for evolution that was supported by evidence.

Which of these conditions should completely prevent the occurrence of natural selection in a population over time?

All variation between individuals is due only to environmental factors.

Natural selection is based on all of the following except

individuals adapt to their environments and, thereby, evolve.

Which of the following represents an idea that Darwin learned from the writings of Thomas Malthus?

Populations tend to increase at a faster rate than their food supply normally allows.