Question
Directions: Choose the letter of the one most correct answer. Be ready to defend your claim (answer choice) with evidence and reasoning.
1. In this lesson, you will learn about the scientific theory of evolution. Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?
Image reference
A.
a guess about how something might work
B.
a proven fact that can never be challenged
C.
an experiment that confirms a scientific idea
D.
an explanation of how a natural phenomenon occurs
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The most correct answer is:
**D. an explanation of how a natural phenomenon occurs.**
**Reasoning:**
A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation that is based on a body of evidence and has undergone rigorous testing and peer review. It encompasses hypotheses and observations that explain and predict phenomena in the natural world. Unlike a "guess" (as in option A) or a "proven fact" (as in option B), theories are not definitive truths but rather the best explanations based on current evidence and can be modified or refined as new data emerges. Option C describes an aspect of the scientific method but does not fully capture the essence of what a scientific theory represents. Therefore, option D is the most accurate description of a scientific theory.
**D. an explanation of how a natural phenomenon occurs.**
**Reasoning:**
A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation that is based on a body of evidence and has undergone rigorous testing and peer review. It encompasses hypotheses and observations that explain and predict phenomena in the natural world. Unlike a "guess" (as in option A) or a "proven fact" (as in option B), theories are not definitive truths but rather the best explanations based on current evidence and can be modified or refined as new data emerges. Option C describes an aspect of the scientific method but does not fully capture the essence of what a scientific theory represents. Therefore, option D is the most accurate description of a scientific theory.