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?
(option 1: ) his idea was too
complicated to be
tested with a single
experiment
(option 2: ) his observation was
accepted as true
without needing any
further evidence.
(option 3: ) his proposed
explanation was
repeatedly tested and
confirmed with a wide
range of evidence.
(option 4: ) his hypothesis was a
very popular and
widely discussed
educated guess

Explanation:

To determine what made Darwin’s hypothesis become the theory of evolution, we recall the scientific process: a hypothesis becomes a theory when it is repeatedly tested and confirmed with a wide range of evidence. Let's analyze the options:

• The first option (too associated with a single experiment) suggests limited evidence, not enough for a theory.
• The second option (accepted without further evidence) goes against the scientific method, as theories need extensive testing.
• The third option (proposed explanation repeatedly tested and confirmed with wide evidence) matches the definition of a theory (well - supported, tested explanation).
• The fourth option (hypothesis as a popular, discussed guess) misrepresents a hypothesis (a guess) and a theory (well - supported), and popularity doesn't make a hypothesis a theory.

Answer:

The third option (His proposed explanation was repeatedly tested and confirmed with a wide range of evidence)