Evolution: Theory vs Hypothesis

Question 1

What is a scientific hypothesis?

Answer 1

• an idea or possible explanation about something observed that suggests a question
• takes the form of a statement
• can be supported or disproved with experimentation or more observations

Question 2

What is a scientific theory?

Answer 2

• a general explanation of an important natural phenomenon with a reliable body of evidence that has developed through extensive and repeated observations and experiments to prove it

Question 3

What must a theory be able to do to be widely accepted?

Answer 3

• stand up to thorough and repeated testing
• be confirmed by more observations
• be confirmed by other independent peer-review researchers
• be published in peer-reviewed literature

Question 4

How does a theory remain valid?

Answer 4

• only if every new piece of information supports it

Question 5

Why is evolution a theory and not a hypothesis?

Answer 5

• evolution as a theory, which explains the history of life on earth, has been confirmed through multiple lines of evidence