Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 24: Problem 15

In the phrase "theory of evolution," the word theory means that evolution a. is an idea that can't be tested scientifically. b. is an educated guess to explain natural phenomena. c. probably doesn't happen anymore. d. is a tested and corroborated scientific explanation of natural phenomena.

Short Answer

Expert verified
d. is a tested and corroborated scientific explanation of natural phenomena.

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the Concept of a Scientific Theory

A scientific theory is a comprehensive explanation of an aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence and has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.
02

- Analyze the Provided Options

Look closely at the four given options: a. States that a theory can't be tested scientifically. b. States that a theory is an educated guess. c. Implies that a theory indicates something no longer happens. d. States that a theory is a well-tested and corroborated scientific explanation.
03

- Eliminate Incorrect Options

Using the definition of a scientific theory, eliminate options that don't align. a. Incorrect because scientific theories are testable. b. Incorrect because an educated guess is a hypothesis, not a theory. c. Incorrect because evolution continues to happen. d. Correct because it matches the definition of a scientific theory.
04

- Select the Correct Option

After eliminating the incorrect options, select d. as the most accurate definition of what 'theory' means in the context of the 'theory of evolution.'

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

theory of evolution
The 'theory of evolution' is one of the most important scientific theories in biology. It explains how species change over time through natural selection. The idea was first popularized by Charles Darwin. He suggested that organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.
Over many generations, these advantageous traits become more common in a population. Evolution is not just an idea; it has been confirmed by various forms of evidence such as fossil records, genetic studies, and observable changes in living organisms.
This ongoing process helps explain the diversity of life on Earth.
scientific explanation
A scientific explanation provides insight into phenomena using evidence and logic. Unlike a simple guess or hypothesis, a scientific explanation is based on data, experiments, and reasoning.
These explanations aim to predict and clarify natural events. For example, the theory of evolution explains how and why species change over time.
Scientists use various methods to collect data, including observations, experiments, and simulations.
Then, they analyze this information to construct theories and models that accurately describe how the natural world works.
These theories can be tested and refined as new data becomes available.
natural phenomena
Natural phenomena are events or processes that occur in nature. They can range from daily occurrences like the rising and setting of the sun to more complex events like hurricanes, earthquakes, and the evolution of species.
Scientists seek to understand these phenomena through observation and experimentation.
By studying natural phenomena, we can make predictions and develop technologies that improve our lives. For instance, understanding weather patterns helps meteorologists predict storms.
Similarly, studying evolution helps biologists understand the relationships between different species and the adaptations that allow them to survive.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The search for life elsewhere in the Solar System is carried out primarily by a. astronauts. b. robotic spacecraft. c. astronomers using optical telescopes. d. astronomers using radio telescopes.

The study of life and the study of astronomy are connected because (select all that apply) a. life may be commonplace in the universe. b. studying other planets may help explain why there is life on Earth. c. explorations of extreme environments on Earth suggest where to look for life elsewhere. d. life is a structure that evolved through physical processes, and life on Earth may not be unique. e. life elsewhere is most likely to be found by astronomers.

Suppose that an organism replicates itself each second. After how many seconds will the population increase by a factor of \(1,024 ?\)

The Kepler Mission is currently searching for planets in the habitable zones of stars. Explain which factors in the Drake equation are affected by this search and how the final number \(N\) will be affected if Kepler finds that most stars have planets in their habitable zones.

The difference between a prokaryote and a eukaryote is that prokaryotes a. have no DNA. b. have no cell wall. c. have no nucleus. d. do not exist today.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Electric Charge Field and Potential

Read Explanation

Scientific Method Physics

Read Explanation

Famous Physicists

Read Explanation

Thermodynamics

Read Explanation

Radiation

Read Explanation

Work Energy and Power

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free