Cuvierian

Cuvierian is an adjective that refers to anything relating to Georges Cuvier, a prominent French naturalist and zoologist. Georges Cuvier (1769-1832) was a key figure in the development of paleontology and comparative anatomy. His work laid the foundation for modern zoology and evolutionary biology, though he himself was a proponent of catastrophism rather than gradual evolution as later described by Darwin.

When an organism or fossil is described as "Cuvierian," it typically implies that it was studied, classified, or described by Cuvier. For example, a particular fossil species might be referred to as a "Cuvierian specimen" if it was part of Cuvier's extensive collections or was instrumental in his research. Similarly, anatomical features or classifications that align with Cuvier's established principles of comparative anatomy might be labeled as Cuvierian. The term can also be used in discussions about the history of scientific thought, referencing Cuvier's theories or methodologies. His emphasis on functional relationships between different parts of an animal's body, known as the "laws of the correlation of parts," was a significant contribution that influenced subsequent scientific inquiry. Therefore, "Cuvierian" serves as a historical marker, connecting modern understanding to the foundational work of this influential scientist.