Charles Lyell, a noted geologist and founder of uniformitarianism, believed that past processes should be understood using present day processes. Like Lamarck, Lyell acknowledged that extinction could occur, noting the total extinction of the dodo and the extirpation of indigenous horses to the British Isles. He similarly argued against mass extinctions, believing that any extinction must be a gradual process. Lyell also showed that Cuvier's original interpretation of the Parisian strata was incorrect. Instead of the catastrophic floods inferred by Cuvier, Lyell demonstrated that patterns of saltwater and freshwater deposits, like those seen in the Paris basin, could be formed by a slow rise and fall of sea levels.
Charles Lyell a noted geologist and founder of uniformitarianism believed that past processes should be understood using present day processes Like Lamarck Lyell acknowledged that extinction could occur noting the total extinction of the dodo and the extirpation of indigenous horses to the British Isles He similarly argued against mass extinctions believing that any extinction must be a gradual process Lyell also showed that Cuvier's original interpretation of the Parisian strata was incorrect Instead of the catastrophic floods inferred by Cuvier Lyell demonstrated that patterns of saltwater and freshwater deposits like those seen in the Paris basin could be formed by a slow rise and fall of sea levels