Which term refers to an explanation or model that is derived from empirical knowledge?

• A. Planet
• B. empirical knowledge
• C. theoretical explanation
• D. Food chain

Answer: (C)

The main idea is a theory-based account that comes from examining evidence. When scientists gather observations and data and use them to build a coherent framework, they create a theoretical, or theory-driven, account that explains how and why phenomena occur and can make predictions that tests can verify.

This term is the best because it signals a structured explanation built from empirical knowledge, not just a single fact or a concrete object. It ties together multiple observations into one model and can be refined as new evidence appears.

The other options don’t fit as well: a planet is simply a celestial body, not a kind of knowledge-driven account; empirical knowledge refers to the data and facts themselves rather than a derived model or explanation; and a food chain is a specific model of energy flow and interactions, not a general term for an evidence-based explanation derived from observations.