Scientific models supported by a large, compelling body of evidence are referred to as what?

• A. Theories
• B. Hypotheses
• C. Laws
• D. Postulates

Answer: (A)

In science, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation that ties together a wide range of observations and experiments into a coherent framework. When a model or idea has accumulated a large, compelling body of evidence and makes reliable predictions, it is regarded as a theory rather than just a guess or a simple description. A theory not only describes what happens but explains why it happens and how different phenomena are connected. By contrast, a hypothesis is a testable statement researchers try to support or refute; a law describes consistent patterns or relationships, often with mathematics, without providing explanations; and a postulate is an assumed starting point. So, the term that fits is theory.