Question

In the 18th century, Carolus Linnaeus classified organisms based on their structural similarities. Modern classification determines relationships more accurately because it is based on genetic and other biochemical similarities. This change in classification method best illustrates that____________.(1) multiple trials are required to increase thevalidity of a scientific explanation(2) scientific explanations are subject to theethical view of the scientist proposing them(3) peer review is required to validate the resultsof scientific investigations(4) all scientific explanations are tentative andsubject to change and improvement

Answer 1

Answer:

(4) all scientific explanations are tentative and subject to change and improvement

Explanation:

As new facts or findings emerge about a topic, previous explanations about the topic change or are improved on. That is why findings from researches do not become a theory overnight until they have been tested by several independent researchers.

Even when findings become theories, emergence of overwhelming counterclaims concerning the findings often result in change of the theory. A good example is found in Dalton's atomic theory which claimed that atoms are the smallest indivisible particle of elements. The theory was later disproved by the emergence of the fact that atoms contain proton, neutrons and electrons.

Hence, it is concluded that all scientific explanations are tentative and subject to change and improvement as new facts emerge.