Question

Why is a natural selection called a theory?

Short answer

Natural selection is accepted as a theory because its points are proven and are based on evidence to some extent. It is also widely accepted by scientists worldwide and provides a stable and considerable explanation for the evolution of organisms.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of natural selection

One of the important theories proposed in the field of evolution is natural selection. It describes the adaptation of organisms against changing environmental conditions. As a result of this, the better-suited organisms survive while others may get extinct.

Natural selection supports the adapted organisms, and their heritable traits pass onto the progeny. Due to the development of new traits and adaptation methods, the offspring can show some variation from its parents.

Differences between hypothesis and theory

In the scientific community, hypothesis and theory may sometimes be used interchangeably, which is wrong. A hypothesis is a narrow concept that provides studies on a specific topic, but a theory is a compilation of hypotheses and is a broader concept.

Natural selection as a theory

Natural selection is considered a theory based on experiments, observations, and explanations supported by evidence. On the other hand, the hypothesis is based on guesses or logic that needs to be proved and explained further.

Natural selection has been extensively studied and comprises testable hypotheses that have been tested. The theory of natural selection is widely adopted by scientists and rarely faces rejection, but the hypothesis can be proved wrong on testing.