Question

which quotation from a history of the world in 100 objects best reveals the historical significance of the chronometer?

the chronometer for the first time allowed absolutely accurate charting of the oceans, with all that implied for establishing safe and rapid shipping routes.

darwin’s voyage on the beagle and his subsequent work on evolution pushed human origins...into an unthinkable distant past.

geologists had already demonstrated that the earth was far older than previously believed, undermining the calculation made by archbishop usher.

thanks to clockmakers like earnshaw, precise and reliable clocks and watches became ever more affordable.

Explanation:

To determine the quotation revealing the chronometer's historical significance, we analyze each option:

• The first option directly links the chronometer to accurate ocean charting and safe/rapid shipping routes, showing its impact on maritime and global trade/exploration.
• The second option is about Darwin's work, not the chronometer.
• The third option relates to Earth's age, irrelevant to the chronometer.
• The fourth option focuses on clock affordability, not the chronometer's historical significance in exploration/navigation.

Answer:

The chronometer for the first time allowed absolutely accurate charting of the oceans, with all that implied for establishing safe and rapid shipping routes.