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Chapter 24: Problem 31

The theory of evolution is (a) a scientific theory backed by extensive evidence. (b) one of several competing scientific models that all seem equally successful in explaining the nature of life on Earth. (c) essentially just a guess about how life changes through time.The theory of evolution is (a) a scientific theory backed by extensive evidence. (b) one of several competing scientific models that all seem equally successful in explaining the nature of life on Earth. (c) essentially just a guess about how life changes through time.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The correct answer is (a).

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

The question asks us to select the statement that best describes the theory of evolution. We have three choices: (a) A well-supported scientific theory, (b) One theory among many, or (c) A mere guess.
02

Evaluate Each Option

Let's examine each choice. Option (a) suggests the theory of evolution is backed by extensive evidence. Option (b) implies that multiple theories equally explain life's nature. Option (c) reduces the theory to a guess, implying a lack of scientific grounding.
03

Use Knowledge of Evolution

The theory of evolution, established by Charles Darwin and supported by evidence from various fields like genetics, paleontology, and biology, is widely accepted in the scientific community as a well-substantiated scientific model.
04

Compare Options Against Knowledge

From Step 3, we know that the theory of evolution is not just one among equally valid theories (as in option b) nor is it just a guess (as in option c). It is extensively supported by evidence.
05

Choose the Correct Option

Based on the comparison in Step 4, we determine that (a) is the correct statement - the theory of evolution is a scientific theory backed by extensive evidence.

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Key Concepts

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

Scientific Theory
A scientific theory is more than just a simple idea or guess. It's a well-tested and widely accepted explanation for a phenomenon, based on extensive observations and experiments. Scientific theories must be supported by strong evidence and can predict future occurrences or behaviors. Unlike a hypothesis, which is a preliminary explanation that requires testing, a scientific theory has stood the test of scrutiny over time.
Scientific theories are an essential component of scientific progress because they help us understand complex systems in various fields. They can explain why things happen in a particular way and predict future outcomes.
  • A scientific theory is not a guess; it is a robust framework for understanding.
  • They are subject to revision and refinement as new evidence emerges.
  • Theories can integrate and explain multiple observations and facts.
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin was a naturalist who profoundly changed our understanding of life with his theory of evolution by natural selection. In 1859, Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," which presented evidence that species evolve over time through natural processes.
Darwin's work was groundbreaking because he provided a solid mechanism鈥攏atural selection鈥攖o explain how evolution happens. His observations during the voyage of the HMS Beagle contributed significantly to his ideas.
  • Darwin's theory was based on the idea that species adapt to their environments to survive.
  • Natural selection involves variations within species, some of which provide a better chance of survival and reproduction.
  • Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population.
Evidence in Biology
The theory of evolution is supported by a wealth of evidence from different branches of biology. This evidence comes from the study of fossils, genetics, anatomy, and many other scientific disciplines. Each piece of evidence fits together like a puzzle to provide a complete picture of how species change over time.
The fossil record shows a timeline of gradual change in species, supporting the idea that life on Earth has evolved. Additionally, genetic studies reveal similarities in DNA across different species, suggesting common ancestry.
  • Fossils provide historical records that demonstrate evolutionary change.
  • Genetic evidence shows the relationship between different species.
  • Comparative anatomy highlights similarities in structure among organisms.
Evolutionary Model
An evolutionary model describes how species evolve through various processes like mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift. It is a framework that helps scientists understand and predict patterns of biodiversity and biological change.
Evolutionary models are dynamic and can incorporate a range of factors, including environmental changes, migration patterns, and population dynamics. They provide a scientific basis for understanding how life-forms adapt and survive in changing environments.
  • Evolutionary models integrate data from genetics, paleontology, and ecology.
  • They help scientists predict how species might respond to environmental changes.
  • Such models also inform conservation biology and efforts to protect endangered species.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Briefly summarize the debate over possible fossil evidence of life in a meteorite from Mars.

Choose the best answer to each of the following. Explain your reasoning with one or more complete sentences. In the Drake equation, suppose that the term \(f_{\text {life }}=\frac{1}{2} .\) What would this mean? (a) Half the stars in the Milky Way Galaxy have a planet with life. (b) Half of all life-forms in the universe are intelligent. (c) Half of the habitable worlds in the galaxy actually have life, while the other half don't.

What's Wrong with This Picture? Many science fiction stories have imagined the galaxy divided into a series of empires, each having arisen from a different civilization on a different world, that hold each other at bay because they are all at about the same level of military technology. Is this a realistic scenario? Explain.

Choose the best answer to each of the following. Explain your reasoning with one or more complete sentences. How does the habitable zone around a star of spectral type \(G\) compare to that around a star of spectral type M? (a) It is larger. (b) It is hotter. (c) It is closer to its star.

For each of the following futuristic scenarios, decide whether it is plausible according to our present understanding of science or whether it is unlikely to be possible. Explain clearly; not all these have definitive answers, so your explanation is more important than your chosen answer. A century from now, after completing a careful study of planets around stars within 100 light-years of Earth, astronomers discover that the most diverse life exists on a planet orbiting a young star that formed just 100 million years ago.
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