Which of These Statements MOST Closely Expresses the Principle of "Occam's

question 187

Multiple Choice

Which of these statements MOST closely expresses the principle of "Occam's razor" as it applies to theoretical explanations of physical phenomena?

• A) The theory with the longest history is the most likely explanation.
• B) The theory requiring the least number of unproven assumptions is the most likely explanation.
• C) The newest theory is most likely to be the correct one.
• D) The theory requiring the largest number of assumptions is the most likely explanation.

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Definitions:

Chromosomes

Rod-shaped portions of DNA that are organized in 23 pairs.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and oocytes) that contain half the genetic material of an organism, which unite during fertilization to form a new organism.

Zygote

The new cell formed by the process of fertilization.

Fertilization

The process by which a sperm and an ovum—the male and female gametes, respectively—join to form a single new cell.