Final answer:
Plate tectonics helps us understand the causes of ice ages by explaining how the movement of continents and the formation of mountains can change the climate of an area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory of plate tectonics helps us understand the causes of ice ages by explaining the movement of continents and the formation of mountains. When tectonic plates move and collide, it can change the climate of an area. For example, when two continents collide, it can create higher mountains, which can increase the amount of snowfall and lead to the growth of glaciers. Additionally, plate tectonics can influence the distribution of land and sea, which affects ocean currents and atmospheric circulation, both of which play a role in climate patterns and the occurrence of ice ages.