Question

what does the theory of uniformitarianism state?
evidence from fossils can give us glimpses into the past.
earth has not changed for billions of years.
geologic processes we see today were also at work in the past.
major catastrophic events shaped the earth.

Explanation:

Uniformitarianism is a geological concept. It posits that the geologic processes (such as erosion, sedimentation etc.) that are observable in the present - day Earth have been operating in a similar manner throughout Earth's history.

• The option “Evidence from fossils can give us glimpses into the past” is more about the use of fossils as a tool for understanding the past, not directly related to the core tenet of uniformitarianism.
• The option “Earth has not changed for billions of years” is incorrect as Earth has constantly changed, and uniformitarianism is about the consistency of processes, not lack of change.
• The option “Major catastrophic events shaped the earth” is more in line with catastrophism, an opposing theory to uniformitarianism.

Answer:

Geologic processes we see today were also at work in the past.