Carl Linnaeus
Linnaeus is a import figure in the theory of evolution because he developed a way to name and organize species. He is often referred to as the 'father of taxonomy.' He developed a system for naming that scientists all around the world could use to classify different organisms because each country had different names for different organisms. His theory was officially published in 1735. His theory helped scientists identify organisms world wide.
George Buffon
George Buffon developed the modern definition of a species. The definition he came up with was a "group of organisms which can breed …show more content…
He believed that the present is key to understanding the past. This was important because he believed that the Earth was perpetually being formed and that the natural forces now changing the shape of the earth's surface have been operating the same way in the past. His paper was presented before the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1788. His theory helped Darwin greatly because Darwin began observing rocks and fossils.
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck believed that microscopic organisms appear randomly from lifeless materials and then evolve into more complex forms through a constant striving of perfection. He believed that evolution occurred due to the inheritance of acquired characteristics. This provided scientists around the world with a theory of evolution, evolution was now a theory not just a myth. Although his theory was incorrect he was one of the first scientists to introduce evolution and Darwin based his research according to his observations. His theory was introduced in 1793.
Thomas …show more content…
His theory stated that natural catastrophes such as floods killed off different plants and animals. He was one of the first scientists to introduce ancient species that once lived on Earth. He obtained this information by researching fossils. Many scientists during his time also believed in his theory. Darwin also used used Cuvier's research on fossils to develop his theory. He presented his theory in 1813.
Charles Lyell
Charles Lyell was a English lawyer and geologists who provided conclusive evidence for the theory of uniformitarism. He did not believe in Cuvier's catastrophic theory. He was one of the first scientist to actually provide proof for a theory, all the other scientist belived their theories but had no proof to back up their theory. Darwin used to read his books that he published in 1933.
Steven and Niles
Both Steven Jay-Gould and Niles Eldredge proposed the theory of punctuated equilibrium in 1972. Their theory predicts that change takes place in short periods of time tied to spectation time. Very little change was observed through fossils. Their theory suggests that Darwin`s theory is incorrect. They also believe that organisms share a common