Which term best defines a well-supported, testable explanation of phenomena in the natural world?

Which term best defines a well-supported, testable explanation of phenomena in the natural world?

• A. Theory
• B. Evolution
• C. Charles Darwin
• D. Fossil

Answer: (A)

In science, a theory is a well-supported, testable explanation of natural phenomena. It rests on a large body of evidence gathered from observations and experiments, and it can be used to make predictions about new situations. A theory isn’t a guess; it’s a coherent framework that integrates many tested ideas and can be revised as new data emerge. Because it explains a wide range of observations and remains testable, a theory stands up to scrutiny across many studies. This matches the description given. The other terms don’t fit: a fossil is a physical remnant, a person’s name refers to who proposed ideas, and evolution is a specific theory about how biological change occurs, not a general definition.

In science, a theory is a well-supported, testable explanation of natural phenomena. It rests on a large body of evidence gathered from observations and experiments, and it can be used to make predictions about new situations. A theory isn’t a guess; it’s a coherent framework that integrates many tested ideas and can be revised as new data emerge. Because it explains a wide range of observations and remains testable, a theory stands up to scrutiny across many studies. This matches the description given. The other terms don’t fit: a fossil is a physical remnant, a person’s name refers to who proposed ideas, and evolution is a specific theory about how biological change occurs, not a general definition.