Georges Cuvier contributed to science by?

Georges Cuvier contributed to science by?

• A. Proposed natural selection
• B. Discovered DNA structure
• C. Used fossil records to compare anatomies of extinct species, believed in catastrophism
• D. Created theory of inheritance of acquired traits

Answer: (C)

Georges Cuvier is best known for using fossil records to compare anatomies of extinct species and for promoting catastrophism. By examining fossils, he showed that many organisms once lived on Earth but are no longer present, and that abrupt, violent events—catastrophes—can cause mass extinctions and lead to new forms appearing later. This approach was foundational in establishing extinction and the reality of deep time, and it helped shape early paleontology. The other statements refer to later ideas and scientists: natural selection is associated with Darwin, DNA structure with Watson and Crick, and the inheritance of acquired traits with Lamarck. Cuvier’s emphasis on fossil evidence and catastrophism is what makes this description the best fit.

Georges Cuvier is best known for using fossil records to compare anatomies of extinct species and for promoting catastrophism. By examining fossils, he showed that many organisms once lived on Earth but are no longer present, and that abrupt, violent events—catastrophes—can cause mass extinctions and lead to new forms appearing later. This approach was foundational in establishing extinction and the reality of deep time, and it helped shape early paleontology. The other statements refer to later ideas and scientists: natural selection is associated with Darwin, DNA structure with Watson and Crick, and the inheritance of acquired traits with Lamarck. Cuvier’s emphasis on fossil evidence and catastrophism is what makes this description the best fit.