Q25.4-1CC - Campbell Biology

Question

Explain the consequences of plate tectonics for life on earth.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The theory of plate tectonics results in affecting the speciation (formation of distinct species due to the occurrence of an evolutionary process in the population) and extinction rate (species extinction over time) of species on earth.

Step 1: Geography

When people reside and interact with the environment and utilize resources, this relationship is studied by a spatial field of science called geography. 

Several branches are physical (climatology, geomorphology, astronomical, and soil geographies), human (population, social, cultural, and historical geographies), and environmental geographies.

Step 2: Life on earth

The third planet from the sun where life exists and is considered as terrestrial planet due to its rocky surface is called earth.

Several ingredients required to have life on earth are recycling, energy source, water, air, gravitational force, time, and soil (minerals).

Step 3: Theory of plate tectonics

The geological field that describes a scientific theory which deals with the movement of different plates in the earth’s outer part (lithosphere) and associated phenomena like volcanoes and earthquakes is called plate tectonics.

The occurrence of earthquakes and volcanoes in the pacific plate boundary is an example of plate tectonics theory.

Plate tectonics results in changing climate conditions, physical geography, and geographical isolation of living organisms that exist on earth.