Question

Scientific theories are explanations for scientific phenomena that can be changed when and if new information is found to support or refute the explanation. Which of the following statements provides an example of a scientific theory?
a. An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an outside force.
b. Species evolve by passing on advantageous hereditary traits.
c. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
d. In a closed system, energy is neither created nor destroyed.

Answer 1

An object stays at rest unless some outside force acts on it. This is the first law of motion. The third law of motion states that for every action there is equal and opposite reaction. The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed in a closed system. All these three statements are the known laws. They do not explain any phenomenon, rather they state what is universally true. Hence, they are not examples of scientific theories.

The statement that 'the species evolve by passing the advantageous traits' is an example of scientific theory as it explains the possible mechanism of evolution.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Option B - Species evolved by passing the advantageous heredity traits'.