Why Is Evolution Considered to Be a Scientific Theory Quizlet?

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Vincent White

Evolution is a scientific theory that has been widely accepted by the scientific community. It explains how organisms change over time and how new species arise. However, some people still question whether evolution is a valid scientific theory or not.

What is a Scientific Theory?

A scientific theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon that has been tested extensively and supported by evidence. Theories are not guesses or opinions, but rather they are based on empirical data and observations.

Why Is Evolution Considered to Be a Scientific Theory Quizlet?

Evolution meets all the criteria of a scientific theory. It has been extensively tested through various experiments and observations. For example, fossils provide evidence of past life forms that have evolved over time, while DNA analysis shows how different species are related to each other.

Furthermore, evolution can be used to make predictions about future discoveries. For instance, scientists predicted the existence of transitional fossils between dinosaurs and birds before they were even discovered.

Moreover, evolution is supported by multiple lines of evidence from different fields such as genetics, paleontology, biogeography, and comparative anatomy. This convergence of evidence makes it highly unlikely that evolution could be explained by any other means.

The Difference Between Hypotheses and Theories

It’s important to distinguish between hypotheses and theories when discussing evolution as a scientific theory. A hypothesis is an untested idea or explanation that requires further investigation. On the other hand, a scientific theory is an explanation that has been extensively tested and supported by evidence.

For example, the idea that humans evolved from apes was once just a hypothesis. Over time, however, various pieces of evidence were collected to support this idea until it became widely accepted as fact within the scientific community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, evolution is considered to be a valid scientific theory because it meets all the criteria necessary for such an explanation. It’s supported by extensive evidence from various fields and has been tested over time. This is why it’s important to understand the difference between hypotheses and theories when discussing scientific explanations like evolution.