Question

1. ava had read about continental drift and that it had now become a theory. what information caused the hypothesis of continental drift to become a theory?

a. observations that the ocean floor plates appear to be stable and unchanging
b. observations that the lithosphere is broken apart, and these plates have no boundaries
c. observations that explain the movements of plates in the lithosphere and predict what happens when they meet
d. observations that earth appears to have plates with boundaries that are moving

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Ocean floor plates are not stable; they move, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: The lithosphere is broken into plates with distinct boundaries, so this statement is wrong.
• Option C: A scientific theory needs to explain and predict phenomena. The theory of plate tectonics (which grew from continental drift) explains plate movements and predicts interactions (like earthquakes, mountain formation), so this fits.
• Option D: Just observing moving plate boundaries isn't enough to elevate a hypothesis to a theory; a theory needs explanatory and predictive power, which this option lacks.

Answer:

C. observations that explain the movements of plates in the lithosphere and predict what happens when they meet