What concept suggests that the same natural processes observable today have also operated in the past?

Uniformitarianism is the concept that posits the same natural processes that are currently observable have also operated throughout Earth's history. This idea is fundamental in fields like geology and paleontology, indicating that by understanding contemporary processes such as erosion, sedimentation, and volcanic activity, we can infer how similar processes have shaped the landscape and influenced biological evolution in the past.

This principle contrasts with catastrophic explanations of geological change, which prioritize singular, large-scale events as the primary drivers of change. By using uniformitarianism, scientists can make predictions about past geological events and understand the gradual nature of change over time, making it a critical concept in both anthropology and the broader sciences.