A. When one good set of scientific data supports a theory
Incorrect. One set of good data is not enough for a hypothesis to become a theory. Theories are built over time with many sets of data and many confirmed hypotheses supporting the concepts behind the theory.
B. When the official scientific method is followed
Incorrect. The scientific method is followed for every experiment. Following the scientific method for one experiment or a group of experiments does not mean that a theory will be developed.
C. When it is supported by consistent data from many experimental trials over time
Correct! A theory comes to be when consistent data shows a pattern of evidence over time.
D. When a website is created to display and explain the theory
Incorrect. The creation of a website has no bearing on scientific theory.
Which of the following statements describe scientific theories?
A. I only
Incorrect. There are additional characteristics in the list.
B. I and II
Incorrect. There are additional characteristics in the list.
C. I, II, and III
Incorrect. Characteristic III is a characteristic of a hypothesis.
D. I, II, and IV
Correct! I, II, and IV are all characteristics of a scientific theory.
A. Scientific theories are made by testing multiple hypotheses.
Correct! One of the characteristics of scientific theories is that they are made up of many hypotheses.
B. Scientific hypotheses and scientific theories are not related.
Incorrect. Scientific hypotheses are the foundation for scientific theories.
C. Scientific hypotheses are made up of multiple theories.
Incorrect. The reverse is true.
D. Scientific theories and scientific hypotheses are the same.
Incorrect. Although sometimes we hear that in every-day language, scientific theories and scientific hypotheses are not the same.
A. Vague statements
Incorrect. Vague statements make the explanation unreliable.
B. Repeatable data
Correct! If the investigation is repeated and the data is the same, then the scientific explanation can be considered reliable.
C. Notes taken after the investigation
Incorrect. Detailed notes should be taken during an investigation.
D. Several likely explanations
Incorrect. Several likely explanations make the explanation unreliable.
| The theory of biological evolution asserts that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor through the process of descent with modification. Through descent with modification, the common ancestor of life on Earth gave rise to the fantastic diversity that is around us today, as well as the diversity documented in the fossil record. The process of evolution produces a pattern of relationships between species that scientists have studied; they have established over time that lineages evolve and split. By studying inherited species’ characteristics and other evidence, scientists can make further contributions to the theory of evolution. The theory of evolution has become a unifying concept in biological science. |
What makes biological evolution a theory, rather than simply a hypothesis?
A. Most scientists believe the theory to be true.
Incorrect. Belief is a conviction held to be true by an individual even where there is no evidence or proof. Theories in science are based on evidence and repeated observations that support the theory.
B. The theory of evolution can be expressed as a mathematical formula.
Incorrect. The theory of evolution is supported by scientific evidence and scientific models rather than a mathematical formula.
C. Evolution provides a possible explanation or possible answer to the origin of life on Earth.
Incorrect. This description of evolution is written as a hypothesis. Evolution has been supported over time by independent, detached researchers and is well tested. It is not a possible explanation.
D. Evolution explains a broad range of observations and it has been supported over time by hypotheses and experimentation.
Correct! Theory in science refers to an idea, like evolution, that is well tested, is supported by much evidence and experimentation, and unifies a broad range of scientific observations.