托福词汇猜测题之strength

　Today, largely on the strength of evidence gathered during the Glomar Challenger's voyages, nearly all earth scientists agree on the theories of plate tectonics and continental drift that explain many of the geological processes that shape the Earth.

　　The word "strength" is closest in meaning to which of following?

　　(A) basis

　　(B) purpose

　　(C) discovery

　　(D) endurance