The modern idea of extinction as a common occurrence in Earth's history was first proposed in the early-19th-century writings of __________.

• A. Lamarck
• B. Aristotle
• C. Wallace
• D. Lyell
• E. Cuvier

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the question: The problem is asking about the historical figure who first proposed the idea of extinction as a common occurrence in Earth's history.
2. Identify the key figures mentioned: Lamarck, Aristotle, Wallace, Lyell, and Cuvier. Each of these individuals made significant contributions to science, but in different areas.
3. Recall the contributions of each figure: Lamarck is known for his theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics, Aristotle for his early work in biology and philosophy, Wallace for his contributions to the theory of natural selection, Lyell for his work in geology, and Cuvier for his work in paleontology and extinction.
4. Focus on Cuvier: Georges Cuvier was a French naturalist and paleontologist who is credited with establishing extinction as a scientific fact. He studied fossils and concluded that some species had disappeared from Earth, which was a groundbreaking idea at the time.
5. Conclude that Cuvier is the correct answer: Based on the historical context and contributions of each figure, Cuvier is the one who first proposed the modern idea of extinction as a common occurrence in Earth's history.