Chapter 1, Problem 10A

Summary Introduction

To write:

Correct vocabulary for the underlined phrase in the given description.

Introduction:

All scientists and biologists follow the same basic steps to do research and answer queries. These are called scientific methods. They conduct experiments, collect data, make hypothesis and gather evidences.

Answer to Problem 10A

A well tested explanation that brings together many observations in science such as evolution, plate tectonics, biogenesis is called a theory.

Explanation of Solution

Scientists gather information from various experiments. This information is called data. They then analyze the data and decide if the data supports the hypothesis. The experiments are conducted over and over again to gather more data. They also compare the results of their experiments with the results of other studies. The results are also published in science journals so that the scientists can compare different results. After many repeated experiments when the results are similar, the hypothesis gets support. When a hypothesis is supported by many investigations and observations, it becomes a theory.

Theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon or event that is supported by a large number of scientific evidences obtained from various investigations and observations.

In biology, there are two most important theories; cell theory and theory of evolution. Theory of biogenesis is also important. Both these theories are based on innumerable observations and investigations and have large amount of evidences to support.