Final answer:
Discovery-based science and hypothesis testing are indeed the two major approaches used to understand biology, with the former centering on observation and the latter on testing hypotheses. These methods are interconnected through a continuous dialogue, essential for the evolution of scientific knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that discovery-based science and hypothesis testing are the two major scientific approaches that help us understand biology is true. Discovery-based science, often labeled descriptive or discovery science, involves observation, exploration, and discovery, working predominantly through inductive reasoning to derive general principles from specific observations. Conversely, hypothesis-based science starts with a specific question or problem followed by a potential answer or solution which can then be tested through deductive reasoning. This method entails formulating a hypothesis that can be falsified through experimentation or observation.
In biology, both descriptive science and hypothesis-based science are utilized. Observations made in discovery-based science may lead to specific questions, which can then be tested through hypothesis-based science. This interactive process thus involves continuous dialogue between both approaches, with the scientific method being a crucial framework for conducting both types of studies. It's worth noting that experimentation is not the only form of scientific investigation, as observational studies play a significant role in hypothesis generation.
Furthermore, data that does not support a hypothesis is still incredibly useful in science as it helps refine existing hypotheses or generate new ones. Hence, the idea that science is a process rings true, offering insights into the dynamic nature of scientific knowledge which evolves with new discoveries and evidence.