Final answer:
The development of atomic theory illustrates that scientific theories evolve over time as new evidence is discovered, highlighting the adaptability of scientific knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The timeline depicting the development of atomic theory best illustrates that theories evolve over time based on new evidence. This is evident when considering the history of the atomic theory. Starting over 2,500 years ago with Democritus' concept of indivisible 'atomos,' and continuing with John Dalton's formal atomic theory about 200 years ago, the concept of the atom has undergone significant refinement.
New discoveries by scientists like Thomson, Millikan, and Rutherford, and developments such as the periodic table and quantum theory, have furthered our understanding of atomic structure. It is now known that atoms can be subdivided into subatomic particles, atoms of an element can have different masses due to isotopes, and atoms can be transformed using nuclear fission and fusion.
Therefore, the evolution of atomic theory exemplifies the adaptability and progressiveness of scientific knowledge as it incorporates new evidence and methodologies to refine existing theories.