Georges Cuvier proposed catastrophism and the principle of superposition after observing which of the following?

• A. Distinct layers of fossils in sedimentary rock strata
• B. The inheritance of acquired characteristics in animals
• C. The uniform distribution of species across continents
• D. The gradual transformation of species over time

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of Georges Cuvier's work: He was a French naturalist and paleontologist who studied fossils and sedimentary rock layers to understand Earth's history.
2. Learn about catastrophism: Cuvier proposed that Earth's history was shaped by sudden, short-lived, and violent events (catastrophes) that caused mass extinctions and the formation of distinct fossil layers.
3. Understand the principle of superposition: This principle states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom, and the youngest layers are at the top. Cuvier used this principle to analyze fossil distribution.
4. Relate the observation to the correct answer: Cuvier observed distinct layers of fossils in sedimentary rock strata, which supported his ideas of catastrophism and the principle of superposition.
5. Eliminate incorrect options: The inheritance of acquired characteristics was proposed by Lamarck, not Cuvier. The uniform distribution of species and gradual transformation of species over time are concepts related to other theories, such as uniformitarianism and evolution.