Answer: A hypothesis is a prediction that can be tested, while a theory is a thoroughly supported explanation of observations, and a scientific law outlines consistent patterns in nature. Natural selection is considered a theory because it is backed by substantial evidence related to evolutionary processes. This theory offers significant insights into how species evolve and adapt over time.
Explanation:
A hypothesis is a prediction that can be tested through experiments or observations. For example, if you hypothesize that plants grow faster when given more sunlight, you can test this by growing plants under different light conditions and measuring their growth. For example, plant growth and light exposure. If plants are exposed to more sunlight, then they will grow faster than plants exposed to less sunlight. This can be tested by growing plants under different light conditions and measuring their growth rates.
A theory is a well-supported explanation of observations and experiments. For example, the theory of gravity explains why objects fall to the ground when dropped and has been supported by extensive evidence and experimentation over centuries. Another example is the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. This theory, proposed by Charles Darwin, explains how species evolve over time through the process of natural selection. It is supported by extensive evidence from genetics, fossil records, and observations of living organisms. For example, the beak shapes of Galápagos finches have adapted to different food sources, demonstrating evolution in action.
A scientific law describes consistent relationships in nature. An example is Newton's law of universal gravitation, which describes the attraction between two masses and is consistently observed in nature.
