12 Questions
What is the primary difference between a scientific theory and a law?
A theory explains why something happens, while a law describes what happens
What is required for a hypothesis to become a scientific theory?
It must be tested over and over again and supported by a great deal of evidence
What is the difference between the way 'theory' is used in science and in everyday life?
In science, a theory is a well-supported explanation, while in everyday life, it is a guess or hunch
What is the process by which evolution occurs?
Natural selection
What is a characteristic of a scientific theory?
It is a widely accepted explanation that is well-supported by evidence
What is an example of a well-known theory in biology?
The theory of evolution
What is the main idea behind the theory of evolution by natural selection?
That living things produce more offspring than others to pass genes to the next generation
What is a common characteristic among the three scientific theories mentioned?
They all have evidence that supports them with no evidence against them
What is the main idea behind the germ theory of disease?
That microorganisms cause many diseases
What do the cell theory and the theory of evolution by natural selection have in common?
They both have evidence that supports them with no evidence against them
What is the cell theory primarily concerned with?
The smallest unit of structure and function of living organisms
What can be inferred about these scientific theories?
They are all supported by evidence with no evidence against them
Study Notes
Scientific Theories
- A scientific theory is a broad explanation for events that is widely accepted as true, supported by a great deal of evidence from repeated testing.
- A hypothesis must be tested over and over again to become a theory.
- A theory explains why something happens, whereas a law only describes what happens.
The Theory of Evolution
- The theory of evolution by natural selection explains how living things are changing today and how modern living things have descended from ancient life forms.
- Evolution is a change in the characteristics of living things within a species over time through natural selection.
- Natural selection occurs when some living things produce more offspring than others, passing more genes to the next generation.
- The theory is well-supported, and no evidence has been identified that proves it is incorrect.
The Cell Theory
- The cell theory states that the cell is the smallest unit of structure and function of all living organisms.
- All living organisms are made up of at least one cell.
- Living cells always come from other living cells.
- No evidence has been identified that proves this theory is incorrect.
The Germ Theory
- The germ theory of disease proposes that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases.
- A vast amount of evidence supports this theory, and no evidence has been identified that proves it is incorrect.
Understand the difference between scientific hypotheses and theories, and how hypotheses become theories through repeated testing and evidence.
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