Which statement regarding the principle of uniformitarianism is true?

Uniformitarianism posits that the geological processes observed in the present have been consistent throughout Earth's history. This principle is foundational for understanding how geological formations occur over time, suggesting that the same natural laws and processes that operate today have operated in the past. This concept is often summarized as "the present is the key to the past."

The connection to Darwin's theory of evolution is significant because Charles Darwin utilized the principle of uniformitarianism to support his ideas about gradual biological change. By understanding that small, incremental changes in organisms could accumulate over long periods, he was able to frame natural selection within a geological context that aligns with uniformitarian principles. The fossil record, which reflects changes over geological time, supports the idea that species have evolved and that these changes occur gradually, relying on the consistency of processes over millions of years.

Therefore, the assertion that uniformitarianism is a crucial component of Darwin’s theory underscores its importance not only in geology but also in the field of evolutionary biology, illustrating how interconnected these scientific frameworks are in explaining the natural world.