The theory of evolution is most accurately described as
A)an educated guess about how species originate.
B)one possible explanation, among several scientific alternatives, about how species have come into existence.
C)an opinion that some scientists hold about how living things change over time.
D)an overarching explanation, supported by much evidence, for how populations change over time.
E)an idea about how acquired characteristics are passed on to subsequent generations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The theory of evolution is a well-supported scientific explanation for how populations of living things change over time through a process of natural selection. It is based on a large body of evidence from multiple fields of science, including genetics, geology, and paleontology. It is not an educated guess or an opinion, and while there may be alternative scientific explanations, the theory of evolution is the most widely accepted and supported explanation within the scientific community. The idea of acquired characteristics being passed on is a different and outdated theory called Lamarckism, which has been discredited by modern science.

The Theory of Evolution Is Most Accurately Described as