Which term refers to a well-tested explanation of natural phenomena?

• A. Fossil
• B. Scientific theory
• C. Adaptation
• D. Natural selection

Answer: (B)

A scientific theory is a well-tested explanation of natural phenomena. It’s not just a guess; it’s an integrated framework supported by a vast amount of evidence from many different investigations. The theory explains why things happen and also makes predictions that can be tested with new data. It can be refined as new evidence emerges, but it remains robust enough to unify and account for a wide range of observations.

Fossils are preserved remains that provide information about the past, not a comprehensive explanatory framework. An adaptation is a heritable trait that helps an organism survive or reproduce in a given environment, which is a feature within the broader explanation. Natural selection is the mechanism by which evolution operates, a process that drives change within the theory, rather than the complete explanation itself.