Final answer:
It aligns with the principles of plate tectonics, a fundamental concept in geology that explains the movement and interactions of the Earth's lithospheric plates. Therefore,the correct Option is Option a) India and South Africa are parts of different plates. The plates slowly moved far apart as soft, solid rock from underneath got added to the edges of the plates over millions of years.
Step-by-step explanation:
India and South Africa being parts of different plates indicates the geological process of plate tectonics. The movement of tectonic plates is primarily driven by the flow of molten rock beneath the Earth's surface. In this case, the soft, solid rock continuously adds to the edges of the plates, causing them to slowly move apart. This process occurs over an extended period, spanning millions of years, leading to the significant separation observed between the Lystrosaurus fossils in India and South Africa.
Plate tectonics involve the interplay of various forces, such as mantle convection currents, which drive the lateral movement of plates. The addition of new material at the plate boundaries results in the plates gradually drifting apart. This process is not uniform and can involve periods of increased movement, potentially influenced by seismic activities like earthquakes. However, the primary driving force remains the geological forces beneath the Earth's crust, leading to the dispersal of fossils over vast distances.
Understanding the geological history of these regions helps decipher the journey of the Lystrosaurus fossils and the significant separation between India and South Africa. The dynamic nature of Earth's crust, driven by plate tectonics, provides a comprehensive explanation for the observed dispersal of these fossils.
Therefore,the correct Option is Option a) India and South Africa are parts of different plates. The plates slowly moved far apart as soft, solid rock from underneath got added to the edges of the plates over millions of years.