What is a well-tested concept that provides an explanation for a wide range of observations?

A scientific theory is a well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations and phenomena in the natural world. It is developed through extensive research, experimentation, and validation by the scientific community. A theory not only brings together evidence from various studies but also proposes an underlying mechanism or reasoning behind the observed phenomena.

For example, the theory of evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth by describing the processes of natural selection and genetic variation. This theory is backed by substantial evidence gathered from multiple scientific disciplines, including genetics, paleontology, and ecology.

In contrast, other terms such as hypothesis, law of nature, and scientific law refer to different scientific concepts. A hypothesis is an initial, testable statement or prediction that can lead to further experimentation. A law of nature describes a consistent relationship observed in nature, often based on empirical data, but it does not provide the underlying explanations like a theory does. A scientific law is typically expressed mathematically, representing a principle that is universally observed under specific conditions. While all of these elements are essential to science, the term that specifically denotes a well-supported explanation for a vast array of observations is a scientific theory.