1- Natural selections and mutations
2- Speciation and macroevolution
3- Fossil records
4- Strong connections between current species
5- Theory of common concent
The theory of evolution is that all living things come from other living things.
Evolution is an observed and observable fact. The theory of evolution by natural selection explains many things about evolution. The theory generates testable hypothesis, as any good theory does. Remember, theory is the highest concept in science.
Scientists did not prove things then anymore than they prove things now. Evidence, masses of converging evidence support the theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin, in his day, had much evidence to support his theory. All the way from artificial selection to island biogeography. Since that time the theory has moved on to where it is no longer just Darwin's theory, but modified and supported with so much evidence that the theory became the bedrock of biology. Go here. talkorigins.org
alcohol and the theory of evolution
alcohol and the theory of evolution
Alcohol and the theory of evolution
I don't exactly know why evolutionists refer to it as a theory, but I do know this. A theory is an explanation or model based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning. According to the definition of a theory, evolution is not a theory. Evolution cannot be based on observation. No one was here to observe it. So evolution should be classified as a hypothesis not a theory. It is only a guess as to how things came about.
The characteristic of living things most associated with evolution is physical change. According to the theory of evolution, as living things evolve, they experience a number of physical changes to adapt to their environment.
Scientists do not prove things. Lamarck's theory is long refuted as acquired characteristics and the use and disuse concepts are not explanations for evolution of populations.
Scientists do not prove things but the theory of evolution by natural selection has over 150 years of evidence supporting it and is considered a very certain theory and quite beyond reasonable doubt. As well accepted as the theory of gravity, atomic theory and the heliocentric theory. I suggest you review the primary meaning of scientific theory in a good dictionary.
decomposition
A theory is something that has been tested over time and the data constantly supports it. Examples are the theory of relativity or the theory of evolution. This is way different from the conventional usage, which is just something somebody things. I hate it when people use it that way! Note: A theory is never proven. Nothing in science is proven, but a theory is as close as you can get. The data can only support the facts.