Biology: Life on Earth (11th Edition)
Biology: Life on Earth (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9780134168296
Author: Gerald Audesirk, Teresa Audesirk, Bruce E. Byers
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 1, Problem 1MC

Evolution is

a. a belief.

b. a scientific theory.

c. a hypothesis.

d. never observed in the modern world.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Evolution is defined as the cumulative genetic change in a population over large stretches of time. It is responsible for the large diversity of organisms present in the earth.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

Evolution is regarded as a scientific theory.

Explanation of Solution

Justification for the correct answer:

Option (b) is given that evolution is a theory that is scientifically proven. It is true as scientists have conducted experiments and confirmed the facts on evolutionary studies based on the fossils, rock studies by radioactive dating, geological studies etc. Hence, option (b) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that evolution is accounted as a belief. This is wrong. As ‘believing’ is when something is accepted without any evidence. It is not the case for evolution, as scientists have conducted experiments that have confirmed the process of evolution. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (c) is given that evolution is nothing, but a hypothesis. It is a wrong statement as a hypothesis is given when there is only a little evidence. There is enough experimental evidence given by the scientists in case of evolution. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is given that the modern world never experiences evolution. This is false. Evolution is a slow process and it happens every minute of every day. This is because organisms that reproduce sexually produce progeny that are a mixture of their parents and thus are not identical. Variations occur in genetic events. If these variations are naturally selected, they become a part of the genome and are passed onto the offspring. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options, (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that evolution is a well-formed scientific theory that explains how life is diversified.

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