Why is geologic time important to the theory of evolution?
1 Answer
Lyell's theory of uniform geological processes is foundational to Darwinian evolution, that postulates slow uniform biological processes resulting in descent with modification.
Explanation:
There is no observational or empirical evidence of the kind of major biological changes required by Darwin's theory of evolution, that is descent with modification from a common ancestor.
What is observed are minor variations and changes in the make up of kinds of animals. Darwin speculated that given enough time these small changes that can be observed could result in the major changes required by his theory. These adaptive variations or changes ( the definition of evolution) which can be observed are extrapolated to account for the major changes that can not be observed.
The concept of immense periods of geological time are necessary to account for the possibility of the small changes resulting slowly into major changes. Thus long periods of time are essential for Darwin's theory of slow uniform biological changes being responsible for the Origin of the Species.
