The Origin of Species Chapter 10 Part 2 - On The Imperfection of the Geological Record

In which the imperfection of the geological record is carefully pondered, revealing how the intermittent nature of sediment deposition and localised variations obscure the gradual modifications of species over vast epochs. It is further considered how the sudden appearance of groups of allied species in certain strata may be an artefact of incomplete records, rather than a true reflection of their origins, inviting a humble recognition of the limits of our current knowledge.