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Aristotle created the "Great Chain of Being" theory. This theory stated that all species could be placed in order from lowest to highest on a perfect chain, starting at worms, and ending with God.
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He contributed to the classification of animals, plants, and minerals.
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He discovered the Theory of Uniformitarianism and Gradualism.
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Thomas had a book, "An Essay on the Principle of Population as it Affects the Future Improvement of Society." This book was about population growth versus the food supply. He argued that human existence will outrin the ability to feed itself.
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Georges established the idea of extinction. He was a proponent of catastrophism.
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He proposed the theory of inheritance of acquired traits. This meant that charcateristics that organisms acquired during their lifetimes would be passed onto their offspring.
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Charles Lyell published "The Principles of Geology." This argued that the formation of Earth's changing crust took place over a vast period of time. Darwin read this text while on the Beagle and was much inspired.
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Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
