17.2- Hutton and Lyell and How they Influenced Darwin:

Hutton

- slow acting geological forces shape the planet.

- Deep time: the Earth is old which allows for time for species to evolve.

(if rocks can change why can species)

Lyell

- laws of nature are constant and the Earth operates on the same rules it had millions of years ago.

- Principles of Geology: proves the Earth is old and still operates with the same rules.

Influence on Darwin

- If Earth has evolved and changed over time, why couldn't species?

- Allowed the idea of evolution to ferment in his mind.

- mental rioting (age of earth in bible vs principles of geology)

Lamarck

Adaptation

- Organisms change= and acquire features to live successfully in their environments.

- Thought that acquired characteristics could be passed down generationally- proven FALSE

- Partially correct through epigenetics.

Malthus

- There are forces that act against overpopulation such as war, famine, and disease to keep the population in check.

- Darwin applied the theory to animals: came up with artificial selection.

- Competition = drives survival and natural selection. Survival of the fittest.