Science fiction elements don't affect the verisimilitude of a science fiction story. However, real-world elements in a story contradicting what we know to be true can. Sorry, but this argument is a pet peeve of mine. The whole attitude enables lazy writing.
"Who cares about the how the hyperdrive works in your movie about space wizards intended for children? Oh, this character learned how to pilot a ship while being in a coma between movies? you're nitpicking. Why do you care if a child can survive three days in a pterodactyl's gizzard? It's a cool action scene"