Final answer:
Plate tectonics is a theory in geology that explains the motion of Earth's crust, resulting in the drifting of continents, the formation of mountains, and other geological features. It helps explain the origins of oceans and continents and the geographic distribution of geologic features.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plate tectonics is a theory in geology that explains how slow motions within the Earth's mantle move large segments of the crust, resulting in the drifting of continents, the formation of mountains, and other geological features. This theory aids in understanding the origins of oceans and continents, inland seas, and mountain belts. It also helps explain the geographic distribution of geologic features such as mountains, volcanoes, rift valleys, and trenches.