When fossils were first discovered, some scientists suggested they were the remains of extinct organisms. This idea conflicted with the views of natural theologians who____.
A) believed that body plans were perfect
B) did not believe in the stratification of rocks
C) did not believe extinctions ever occurred
D) believed fossils in the uppermost layers were those of living organisms
E) believed fossils in each different rock layer were similar to one another

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural theologians, who interpreted nature through the lens of religious beliefs, often held the view that extinctions did not occur, as they believed in a perfect, unchanging creation. This conflicted with the emerging scientific evidence of fossils representing extinct organisms.

When Fossils Were First Discovered, Some Scientists Suggested They Were