Final answer:
The continent of Africa lacks direct plate margins running through or along its edges, which is unique among continents. Its geological features are characterized by basins, plateaus, and the eastern rift valleys. Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift provides a historical context for the current continental configurations, including Africa's distinct geological landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the continents and plate tectonics, it's clear that the continent of Africa is unique in that it has no plate margins running directly through it or along its edges. This makes Africa stand out in contrast to other continents, which are frequently defined by plate boundaries associated with mountain ranges, earthquake zones, and volcanic activity. The African continent predominantly consists of basins and plateaus, with the notable exception of the eastern rift valleys, which are associated with the tectonic plate boundaries stretching from the Red Sea down to South Africa.
The theory of continental drift, proposed by Alfred Wegener, furthers this understanding by suggesting that continents have moved over time, giving rise to the current configuration of landmasses. This theory is supported by fossil evidence, the matching of continental shelf outlines, and geological features such as mountain ranges and rift valleys. While Africa's continental landscape may lack direct evidence of active plate margins, it's clear that the history of the planet's crust is dynamic and complex, including the phenomena of continental rifting and the presence of permanent glaciers in equatorial mountain ranges such as Mount Cameroon in Central Africa.