omy,
             geology, and so on. It is only natural to try to correlate all this information into explanations that make
             sense and that can predict other correlations. These explanations and correlations provide the
             In any language, usage determines the meaning of a word. In science, the meaning of the word
             "theory" has been clearly established by usage; its fundamental meaning is a logical explanation based
             on all the available evidence. In order for theories to be given credence by the scientific community,
             they must be capable of predicting further correlations.
             Theories may be good, bad, or indifferent. They may be well established by the factual evidence, or
             they may lack credibility. But theories only explain the facts; they are not the facts themselves.
             The statement that evolution is "a theory, not a fact" is based on the belief that a theory is something
             that can not be proven, and therefore is not a "fact." This view grossly distorts the meanings of the
             words "theory" and "fact," and diverts attention from the large amount of factual evidence supporting
             A basic argument used by creationists is that evolution is "only a theory and cannot be proven." This
             creationist argument is based on the false assumption that the only way to "prove" evolution is for
             someone to actually observe large evolutionary changes, for example birds evolving from dinosaurs.
             Since this can't be accomplished in a few lifetimes, creationists claim that "proving" evolution is
             impossible. This argument totally ignores the enormous amount of factual data that supports the
             position that present life forms are descended from primitive ancestors. Whether evolution is true or
             not depends on a careful and rational examination of the facts.
             A fact is something that is supported by clear and incontrovertible evidence. For example, the Grand
             Canyon cuts through layers of different kinds of rock, such as the Coconino sandstone, Hermit ...