Question

The word “theory” in theory of evolution is best replaced by ________. a. fact b. hypothesis C. idea d. alternate explanation

Short answer

a. fact

Step-by-step solution

Understand the context of the theory of evolution

The theory of evolution, mainly known as Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, describes how species adapt and change over time due to variations in their traits that allow them to survive and reproduce. This theory has substantial supporting evidence, and it is widely accepted among the scientific community.

Define each option

Understand the meaning of each given option: a. Fact: A fact is something that is known to be true or has been proven with evidence. b. Hypothesis: A hypothesis is an educated guess or assumption about how something works, based on observation and reasoning, but without enough evidence to be considered a fact. c. Idea: An idea is a thought, suggestion, or concept based on reasoning or imagination. d. Alternate explanation: An alternate explanation is another possible explanation for an occurrence, different from the main or accepted explanation.

Compare options to the context of the theory of evolution

Determine the best fit for replacing the word "theory" in the theory of evolution by comparing the meanings of each option with the context of the theory of evolution. a. Fact: The theory of evolution contains a wealth of supporting evidence and has been widely accepted, so it could be considered a fact. However, it might not fully capture the nature of a scientific theory, which is constantly being refined and improved upon as new evidence is discovered. b. Hypothesis: A hypothesis is not the best fit because the theory of evolution goes beyond an educated guess and has a significant amount of evidence that supports it. c. Idea: Although the theory of evolution began as an idea, it has developed into a well-supported explanation for the adaptation and change in species. Thus, this option doesn't completely capture the current status of the theory of evolution. d. Alternate explanation: The theory of evolution is not merely an alternate explanation, but rather the mainstream and widely accepted explanation in the scientific community for the adaptation and change observed in species.

Select the best replacement

Considering the definitions of each option and comparing them to the context of the theory of evolution, option a. "fact" is the best replacement for the word "theory" in the theory of evolution. Although it doesn't fully capture the nature of a scientific theory, it is the most accurate option among the given choices, as the theory of evolution goes beyond a hypothesis, a simple idea, or just an alternate explanation. It is well-supported by evidence and widely accepted as the explanation for adaptation and change in species.

Key concepts

natural selection

The idea of natural selection is a central concept in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. It explains how species change over time due to the survival and reproduction of individuals with traits that are favorable for their environment. This process involves several key components:

• Variation: Individuals within a species exhibit variations in their traits, such as size, color, or ability to find food.
• Competition: Resources like food and habitat are limited, leading to competition among individuals.
• Survival of the Fittest: The individuals with traits better suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• Reproduction: Those that survive pass their advantageous traits on to their offspring.

Over many generations, natural selection can lead to significant changes in a species, including the development of new species. Natural selection is a key mechanism by which evolution occurs and provides a naturalistic explanation for the diversity of life on Earth.

scientific theory

A scientific theory is not just a simple idea or educated guess. It's a well-established explanation for a set of observations or phenomena, built upon a solid foundation of evidence and reasoning. Here are some of the characteristics that define a scientific theory:

• Evidence-Based: It is supported by extensive and reproducible evidence from observations and experiments.
• Testable: Scientific theories can be tested and must be able to make predictions that can be verified through experimentation.
• Falsifiable: A theory should be structured in a way that allows for it to be proven wrong if new evidence contradicts its claims.
• Consistent: Theories must align with existing, verified scientific knowledge and cannot contradict established facts.

The theory of evolution, as proposed by Darwin, is a prime example of a scientific theory. It's been tested and supported by a wide variety of scientific disciplines, from genetics to paleontology, making it one of the most robust and comprehensive theories in science.

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin was a British naturalist who is best known for developing the theory of evolution by natural selection. His journey aboard the HMS Beagle served as a pivotal experience, where he gathered extensive data and observations of diverse species from around the world. This data contributed significantly to his groundbreaking work.

• Background: Born in 1809, Darwin showed an early interest in nature and the natural world.
• HMS Beagle Voyage: During his trip from 1831 to 1836, Darwin collected specimens and made detailed observations, particularly noting the variations in finches across the Galápagos Islands. These variations sparked his interest in explaining how species can change over time.
• Publication: In 1859, Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," presenting the idea that species evolved over time through natural selection—a theory that revolutionized the biological sciences.
• Legacy: Today, Darwin's work continues to be foundational in the field of biology, and his contributions have shaped our understanding of life on Earth.

Through his work, Darwin not only transformed how we view biological life but also laid the groundwork for future research in evolution and related fields.