Question

based on the relationship between a hypothesis and a theory, what must have happened for darwin’s initial hypothesis to become the theory of evolution? his observation was accepted as true without needing any further evidence. his idea was too complicated to be tested with a single experiment. his proposed explanation was repeatedly tested and confirmed with a wide range of evidence. his hypothesis was a very popular and widely discussed educated guess.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we recall the scientific process: a hypothesis becomes a theory when it is repeatedly tested and confirmed with a wide range of evidence. Darwin’s theory of evolution was formed as his proposed explanation (hypothesis) was tested across various observations and evidence. The first option describes a hypothesis being accepted without evidence (not a theory). The second says it was too complicated for a single experiment (incorrect, as theories are supported by multiple evidences). The fourth describes a hypothesis as a popular guess (incorrect, as a theory is well - supported). The third option, "His proposed explanation was repeatedly tested and confirmed with a wide range of evidence," matches how a hypothesis becomes a theory.

Answer:

His proposed explanation was repeatedly tested and confirmed with a wide range of evidence.