Final answer:
The false statement is that tectonic processes are fuelled by the movement of convection currents in the atmosphere; actually, they are driven by convection currents in Earth's mantle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is false among the options provided is: d. tectonic processes are fueled by the movement of convection currents in the atmosphere. This statement is incorrect because tectonic processes are not driven by convection currents in the atmosphere, but rather by the movement of convection currents in the Earth's mantle. The Earth's mantle is a layer of semi-solid rock below the crust that flows slowly over time, and these flows, which are caused by temperature and density variations within the mantle, are what drive the movement of tectonic plates.
Looking at the other statements: a. static equilibrium is when a system is balanced but not in motion is true; this refers to an object or system that is at rest and has no net force acting upon it. b. the earliest evidence of modern humans (homo sapiens) is from 200,000 years ago is also true according to the current archaeological findings. c. the effects of an asteroid can be catastrophic, leading to mass extinctions and changes to the earth’s surface and atmosphere is true as well, with the impact that is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs being a prime example.