Chapter three - Waleska Reyes

Chapter three - Waleska Reyes

The previous chapter dealt with the origin of the theory of extinction and how it spread. In chapter three Kolbert discusses the two different theories of what caused extinction: uniformatism and catastrophism. William Whell, the president of the Geological Society of London, explained that a “catastrophe” was a scientist who believed that extinction occurred due to a global catastrophe. Well then explained that uniformatism is the belief that species just evolve over time.

Kolbert then introduces a geologist named Lyell, who was a uniformitarian, he noted that there was no evidence of a global catastrophe but rather a gradual process of erosion in the earth’s geological structure. Lyell’s observations inspired Charles Darwin, therefore influencing Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest. Darwin’s theory, “the theory of natural selection is grounded on the belief that each new variety, and ultimately each new species, is produced and maintained by having some advantage over those which it comes into competition; and the consequent extinction of less-favored forms almost inevitably follow” (pg. 55). Therefore each new species must have an advantage over its competition in order to survive. Kolbert mentions the role humans can play in these extinctions. For example, if a human hunt down a certain animal, like the Audubon's great auks, it can cause it to go extinct simply because it is the “fittest” species. My question is can’t both theories co-exist as a reason for extinction?

Darwin’s theory is often discussed today not only on the topic of extinction but socially as well. I learned about social Darwinism in my U.S history class. The theory was discussed in a class structural way. For example, the upper class, the wealthier class, seem to have more of an advantage over the lower class. Therefore in many scenarios, the upper class are considered the stronger and dominant class and those more likely to survive in our society.

This chapter connects more with the theme that humans have had an impact on the environment for millions of years. On the first chapter, we learned that BD was causing the golden frogs to become extinct but now in this chapter, we learn that humans can contribute to extinction as well, therefore, proving the impact humans have on our environment and ecosystems.

Charle's Darwin and Lyell: