Final answer:
Plate tectonics is supported by evidence such as fossils of ancient sea life on land, different layers of rock, and geological phenomena like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plate tectonics is a theory that explains how slow motions within the mantle of Earth move large segments of the crust, resulting in a gradual "drifting" of the continents as well as the formation of mountains and other large-scale geological features. There are several pieces of evidence that support the theory of plate tectonics:
- Fossils of ancient sea life on dry land far from oceans: The presence of fossils of marine organisms in rocks found on continents supports the idea that the continents were once connected and have moved over time.
- The many layers of rock: The different layers of rock found in the Earth's crust provide evidence of the changing environment over time and the movement of tectonic plates.
- Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and erosion: These geological phenomena are related to the movement of tectonic plates and help support the theory of plate tectonics.