Question: The plate-tectonic model has achieved the status of a scientific theory due to which property of the model?

  Options: 
 A. It has been empirically proved to be true.
 B. It has passed extensive, independent tests of its predictions.
 C. It is clearer, simpler, and more plausible than other models.
 D. It provides guidelines for Earth-science investigations that are scientifically valid. 
Answer: B