Question

question 5 of 20 : select the best answer for the question. 5. who first developed the theory that eventually became known as plate tectonics? a. charles francis richter b. john tuzo wilson c. marie tharp d. alfred wegener mark for review (will be highlighted on the review page) << previous question next question >>

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Charles Francis Richter developed the Richter scale for measuring earthquake magnitude, not plate tectonics theory.
• Option B: John Tuzo Wilson made important contributions to plate tectonics, but he was not the first to develop the foundational theory.
• Option C: Marie Tharp was a geologist who contributed to mapping the ocean floor, not the development of plate tectonics theory.
• Option D: Alfred Wegener first proposed the theory of continental drift, which was the precursor to the modern theory of plate tectonics.

Answer:

D. Alfred Wegener