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Because it cannot be proven or replicated.
Answer
In science, a hypothesis is a good idea, a possible explanation, which might be right and might be wrong. Hypotheses can be refuted by experimentation. If the expectation from the hypothesis is not met by the outcome of experiment, the hypothesis is refuted. The longer a hypothesis survives unrefuted the more confidence we have in it. Evidence can support a hypothesis. The more evidence one has in support of a hypothesis, the more grows our confidence in it. Within the philosophy of science of Karl Popper, a hypothesis cannot be proven, but one can have a mighty amount of confidence in one, proportional to the amount of evidence in support of it. Unrefuted and with backing evidence, a hypothesis is promoted to a theory! A theory is better than a hypothesis. Evolution has much evidence from comparative genetics, comparative morphology and the fossil record. Evolution was once a hypothesis. Darwin collected a large mass of evidence for On the Origin of Species and now we have evidence from Mendelian genetics and comparative genetics, which Darwin knew nothing of. We now have a greater fossil record than Darwin did. There is far more evidence these days (for what is now called Neodarwinism or the Modern Synthesis- the combination of genetics and Darwin's basic 1859 ideas) than there was in Darwin's time. Evolution now has so much evidence that it is best to call it a theory, rather than a hypothesis. Yes, theories are unproven, but in Popperian philosophy of science they cannot be proven. Theories survive refutation and have much evidence and explain a lot. Biology regards evolution as its baseline, its most important idea ever. It might only be a theory of which we can only be 99% confident, but it explains everything so well that most biologists should better call it a fact rather than a theory. Evolution is such a good theory that its pedantic differentiation from 'fact' is entirely unnecessary.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Scientists call evolution a theory because it is a well-supported and widely accepted explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. In scientific terms, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation that incorporates observations, experiments, and evidence to explain a natural phenomenon. Evolution has been tested and supported by various fields of science, including Biology, genetics, Paleontology, and geology.
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What do scientists think about the theory of evolution?
The scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports the theory of evolution. It is considered the foundational framework for understanding the history of life on Earth and is supported by a wide range of evidence from fields such as paleontology, genetics, and comparative anatomy. Scientific understanding of evolution continues to evolve as new evidence and discoveries emerge.
When was the theory of evolution discovered?
The theory of evolution was proposed by Charles Darwin in his book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859. However, the idea of evolution had been discussed by earlier naturalists and scientists before Darwin.
What scientists believe in evolution?
The overwhelming majority of scientists across various fields, including biology, paleontology, and genetics, accept the theory of evolution as the best explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. The theory of evolution is supported by a wide range of evidence, including the fossil record, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology. While there may be scientists who do not accept evolution, they represent a very small minority within the scientific community.
What did early scientists before Darwin contributed to the study of evolution?
Early scientists before Darwin contributed to the study of evolution by proposing ideas that laid the foundation for evolutionary theory. For example, Lamarck proposed the idea of inheritance of acquired traits, while Cuvier demonstrated the concept of extinction. These contributions helped shape the understanding of evolution prior to Darwin's theory of natural selection.
Who is the most famous of the scientists who developed a theory of evolution?
Charles Darwin is the most famous scientist who developed the theory of evolution through natural selection. His work, "On the Origin of Species," revolutionized our understanding of how species evolve and adapt over time.
What did Darwin call his theory?
Darwin called his theory "natural selection" or "survival of the fittest." It explains how species evolve and adapt to their environment over time through the process of natural selection.
When was the darninim theory of evolution accepted?
The theory of evolution was accepted by scientists in 1859, Darwin's first book was published the same year that his theory was accepted.
How might the theory of evolution be used by scientists in their studies?
to explain the relationship
Who is the most famous of the scientists who developed the theory of evolution?
Evolution is a fact, not a theory. There are theories as to how the process of evolution works. The most notable is through natural selection proposed by Darwin and Wallace
What do scientists think about the theory of evolution?
The scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports the theory of evolution. It is considered the foundational framework for understanding the history of life on Earth and is supported by a wide range of evidence from fields such as paleontology, genetics, and comparative anatomy. Scientific understanding of evolution continues to evolve as new evidence and discoveries emerge.
Charles Darwin developed the theory of what?
Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection, which explains how species change over time in response to environmental pressures. This theory revolutionized the field of biology and remains a cornerstone of modern evolutionary science.
When was the theory of evolution discovered?
The theory of evolution was proposed by Charles Darwin in his book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859. However, the idea of evolution had been discussed by earlier naturalists and scientists before Darwin.
Has Lamarck's theory of evolution been proved?
Scientists do not prove things. Lamarck's theory is long refuted as acquired characteristics and the use and disuse concepts are not explanations for evolution of populations.
Do scientists believe man was created by God or that they just evolved?
Different scientists hold different beliefs. Many scientists accept the theory of evolution as a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. However, there are also scientists who believe in theistic evolution, which posits that evolution is a process guided by a higher power, such as God. Ultimately, beliefs about the origins of humans vary among scientists.
Who developed a theory of evolution by natural selection that is accepted by most scientists today?
Charles Robert Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace first purposed the theory of evolution by natural selection, but the theory accepted by most scientists today has been modified a bit since Darwin and Wallace's day.
What do scientists call the most popular theory of the origin of the universe?
The Big Bang Theory
What do scientists generally say about evolution?
99.9% of all scientists accept evolutionary theory. A great majority of biologists, at least, find it useful.
