Final answer:
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains the movement and interaction of the Earth's lithospheric plates, leading to geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity. It helps understand the formation of continents and the evolution of life on Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plate Tectonics
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how the Earth's lithosphere (the rigid outer layer made up of plates) moves and interacts with each other. It is based on the concept that the Earth's crust is divided into several large and small plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them.
These plates are constantly moving due to the convective currents in the mantle. As they move, they can interact in different ways, such as colliding, sliding past each other, or moving apart. These interactions result in various geological phenomena, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.
Plate tectonics helps scientists understand the formation of continents, the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes, and the changing shape of the Earth's surface over time. It also provides insight into the evolution of life on Earth, as plate movements have influenced the distribution of habitats and the movement of species.
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