The following questions refer to the evolutionary tree in Figure 22.2.
The tree's horizontal axis is a timeline that extends from 100,000 years ago to the present; the vertical axis represents nothing in particular. The labeled branch points on the tree (V-Z) represent various common ancestors. Let's say that only since 50,000 years ago has there been enough variation between the lineages depicted here to separate them into distinct species, and only the tips of the lineages on this tree represent distinct species.

-Evolutionary trees such as this are properly understood by scientists to be
A)theories.
B)hypotheses.
C)laws.
D)dogmas.
E)facts.

Question

The following questions refer to the evolutionary tree in Figure 22.2.
The tree's horizontal axis is a timeline that extends from 100,000 years ago to the present; the vertical axis represents nothing in particular. The labeled branch points on the tree (V-Z) represent various common ancestors. Let's say that only since 50,000 years ago has there been enough variation between the lineages depicted here to separate them into distinct species, and only the tips of the lineages on this tree represent distinct species.

-Evolutionary trees such as this are properly understood by scientists to be
A)theories. 
B)hypotheses. 
C)laws. 
D)dogmas. 
E)facts.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Evolutionary trees are hypotheses, or tentative explanations, about the relationships between different species based on available evidence. They are subject to change as new evidence emerges. While evolution itself is considered a fact by scientists, the specific relationships depicted in a particular evolutionary tree are still open to revision.

The Following Questions Refer to the Evolutionary Tree in Figure