Which of the following best describes the scientific work of Nicolaus Copernicus?

Introduction / Context:
Nicolaus Copernicus was a Renaissance astronomer whose ideas changed how humans view the universe. He proposed that the Sun, not the Earth, is near the centre of the solar system and that planets, including Earth, revolve around it. This is known as the heliocentric theory. Many exam questions test whether you can correctly associate Copernicus with this revolutionary idea rather than with other scientific advances made by different scientists.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks which description fits the work of Nicolaus Copernicus.
• Options include analytic geometry, anatomy, light, heliocentric theory, and gravitation.
• We assume awareness of major scientific figures of the Renaissance and early modern period.

Concept / Approach:
The concept here is to match scientist names with their core achievements. Copernicus is almost always associated with the heliocentric model presented in his work "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium". The other achievements in the options belong to different scientists: analytic geometry to Descartes, light studies to Newton and others, gravitation to Newton. Hence, choosing heliocentric theory is the logical approach.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Copernicus lived in the sixteenth century and focused on astronomy.Step 2: Remember that his model placed the Sun near the centre of the universe with the Earth and other planets orbiting it.Step 3: Identify the option that explicitly mentions a heliocentric theory.Step 4: Eliminate options that clearly relate to different scientists or later periods, such as Newton's work on light and gravity and Descartes' analytic geometry.Step 5: Choose "Developing a heliocentric theory of the solar system" as the correct description.

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Inventing analytic geometry is wrong because that contribution is mainly credited to Rene Descartes.Experimenting on human bodies to study anatomy relates more to Vesalius and other anatomists than to Copernicus.Studying prisms and the nature of light is associated with Isaac Newton and other later scientists.Formulating the universal law of gravitation is also Newton's contribution, not Copernicus'.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may confuse Copernicus with Galileo or Newton and choose an option concerning experiments or gravity. Others may simply select a familiar sounding scientific activity. To avoid such errors, practise linking each scientist to one clear, central achievement, especially in topics that are repeatedly tested like astronomy and classical mechanics.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Developing a heliocentric theory of the solar system.