What is the idea developed by Charles Lyell stating that the geologic processes that shaped Earth in the past continue to operate today?

a. inheritance of acquired characteristics

b. catastrophism

c. uniformitarianism

d. descent with modification

c. uniformitarianism

Explanation:

Uniformitarianism is a doctrine that was popularized by Charles Lyell in his book published in 1830. It is a school of thought that belief that slow, uniform geologic processes shaped the earth in the past and the processes are still in operation as of today. In other word, the past processes that shaped the earth can still be studied in the present.

The idea is in contrast to catatrophism, a belief that the present earth is shaped by sudden, short violent occurrence as compared to the past.

Descent with modification and inheritance of acquired character are related to evolution of living organisms.

The correct option is c.