Question

1. which of these hypotheses are supported by the data shown in figure 2?

○ as molten rock moves between tectonic plates, it forms new crust and pushes them apart.
○ all of the islands on earth are made of the youngest crust.
○ as molten rock moves between tectonic plates, earth’s continents are pulled closer together.
○ every time a volcano erupts, earth’s tectonic plates are pushed further apart.

Explanation:

To determine the supported hypothesis, we analyze each option:

1. The first option aligns with the process of seafloor spreading (a key concept in plate tectonics), where molten rock (magma) rises between tectonic plates (at mid - ocean ridges), forms new crust, and pushes the plates apart.
2. The second option is incorrect as not all islands have the youngest crust (e.g., continental islands are made of older continental crust).
3. The third option is wrong because molten rock at mid - ocean ridges pushes plates apart, not pull continents together.
4. The fourth option is incorrect as volcano eruptions at subduction zones don't push plates further apart in the same way as mid - ocean ridge activity, and not all volcanoes are related to plate separation.

Answer:

A. As molten rock moves between tectonic plates, it forms new crust and pushes them apart.