AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -scientific theory is a well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations.

Detailed explanation-2: -A well-tested explanation that explains a lot of observations is a theory.

Detailed explanation-3: -A scientific theory is a hypothesis that has been extensively tested, evaluated by the scientific community, and is strongly supported. Theories often describe a large set of observations, and provide a cohesive explanation for those observations.

Detailed explanation-4: -A useful hypothesis should be testable and falsifiable. That means that it should be possible to prove it wrong. A theory that can’t be proved wrong is nonscientific, according to Karl Popper’s 1963 book “Conjectures and Refutations (opens in new tab)."

Detailed explanation-5: -In everyday use, the word “theory” often means an untested hunch, or a guess without supporting evidence. But for scientists, a theory has nearly the opposite meaning. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate laws, hypotheses and facts.