Question

Why is the theme of evolution considered to be the core theme of biology by biologists?

A) Controversy about this theory provides a basis for a great deal of experimental research.
B) Since it cannot be proven, biologists will be able to study evolutionary possibilities for many years.
C) Biologists do not subscribe to alternative models.
D) It provides a framework within which all biological investigation makes sense.
E) It is recognized as the core theme of biology by organizations such as the National Science Foundation.

Answer 1

The theme of evolution is central in biology because it provides a unifying framework to understand the diversity of life, is supported by a vast amount of scientific evidence and nearly universal acceptance among scientists, and guides experimental research that affirms its predictive power.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theme of evolution is considered to be the core theme of biology because it offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the great diversity of life on Earth. According to Theodosius Dobzhansky, "nothing makes sense in biology except in the light of evolution". This means that the concept of life evolving and diversifying from a common ancestor underpins all biological research, providing a foundation for formulating and testing predictions about living organisms. Furthermore, acceptance of evolution is nearly universal among biologists, with a Pew Research poll indicating that 97 percent of surveyed scientists believe species evolve, and this consensus is supported by many leading scientific organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The power of the theory of evolution lies in its predictive capability and experimental validation. It is founded upon both biological and geological observations and has convincingly replaced previous theories that could not account for the growing body of evidence from diverse fields of study. Evolution by natural selection, a key component of this theory, provides a clear explanation for the unity and diversity of life by describing how traits that confer a survival advantage are more likely to be passed on to subsequent generations.

Ultimately, evolution serves as a unifying theory because it aligns with and makes sense of countless observations about living things, their characteristics, and adaptations over time. It is a dynamic theory that is continually reinforced by new evidence from across the biological sciences, including genetics, paleontology, and ecology. The theory’s ability to explain both observable and historical phenomena affirms it as the core concept within biology.