Final answer:
The main difference between a hypothesis and a scientific theory is that a hypothesis is an educated guess that can be tested, while a theory is a comprehensive explanation for a wide range of phenomena that has been thoroughly tested and supported by evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinction between a hypothesis and a scientific theory lies in their respective levels of validation and scope. A hypothesis is a tentative assumption or an educated guess based on what is already known, which can then be tested through experiments and observation. In contrast, a scientific theory is a well-developed set of ideas that proposes an explanation for observed phenomena and is supported by a substantial body of evidence gathered through repeated experimentation and analysis.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question “Which of the following distinguishes a theory from a hypothesis?” is (D) A theory explains far more phenomena than a hypothesis. A theory is not just a singular observation or speculation; it is an overarching explanation for a wide range of phenomena and has been rigorously tested to establish its validity.