In writing On the Origin of Species, Darwin synthesized ideas from other publications, as well as observations he made while voyaging on the H. M. S. Beagle and afterward at home. The publications referenced in the first half of the time line all had a strong influence on Darwin. Which publication provided Darwin the insight that changes to the Earth can happen gradually over millions of years? Principles of Geology Philosophie zoologique Systema Naturae Essay on the Principles of Population

Principles of Geology

Explanation:

J. Henslow gifted Darwin the first volume of Principles of Geology, written by Charles Lyell. The book explains about the old age of the earth. Accordingly, the slow rate of several geological processes suggests that the earth is very old.

Darwin read the book as the ship was crossing the Atlantic and learned about geological processes occurring over the millions of years. For example, he learned that the earth's surface was not formed by some catastrophic event.

In his book, Lyell explained the slow and gradual geological processes like erosion gave rise to the vast landscapes present on the earth's surface.

Darwin compared the time taken by geological processes to form the earth's surface and reasoned if these millions of years were enough to support the evolution of species.