A friend tells you that the theory of evolution is just an educated guess by biologists about how things work. Evaluate this statement.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a scientific theory: A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.
2. Recognize the evidence supporting the theory of evolution: The theory of evolution is supported by a wide range of evidence from various fields such as genetics, paleontology, embryology, and comparative anatomy.
3. Differentiate between a theory and a hypothesis: A hypothesis is an initial assumption or educated guess that can be tested through scientific methods. A theory, on the other hand, is a hypothesis that has been extensively tested and validated by a significant amount of evidence.
4. Consider the scientific consensus: The theory of evolution is widely accepted by the scientific community as the best explanation for the diversity of life on Earth, based on the overwhelming evidence and its ability to predict biological phenomena.
5. Evaluate the use of the term 'educated guess': Referring to the theory of evolution as an 'educated guess' undermines the extensive research and empirical data that support it. It is more accurate to describe it as a well-established scientific theory.