What is a testable prediction that is often implied by a theory called?

A testable prediction that is often implied by a theory is known as a hypothesis. In scientific research, a hypothesis serves as a specific, testable statement that can be investigated through experimentation and observation. It often arises from a broader theory, which provides the framework or background understanding of a scientific principle.

For example, if a theory suggests that a certain behavior in animals is influenced by environmental factors, a hypothesis might predict that a specific change in environment will lead to a measurable change in that behavior. This allows scientists to conduct experiments to either support or refute the hypothesis, thereby providing evidence for or against the underlying theory.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts in science. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, a conclusion is the result reached after analyzing data from experiments, and a fact is an objective and verifiable observation. Each of these plays a distinct role in the scientific method, but it is the hypothesis that directly stems from theories to create testable predictions.