What is the difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis? Why do scientists refer to basic scientific principles as “theories” rather than “facts”?

Concepts of Biology
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Chapter11: Evolution And Its Processes
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 21CTQ: How does the scientific meaning of “theory” differ from the common, everyday meaning of the word?
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What is the difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis? Why do scientists refer to basic scientific principles as “theories” rather than “facts”?
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