Geologists discovered that the largest coal deposits were formed around 300 million years ago. How did this observation support the theory of plate tectonics?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Around that time, those regions were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts.
Around that time, those regions were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts.

Around that time, those regions were located on arid plateaus in temperate regions.
Around that time, those regions were located on arid plateaus in temperate regions.

Around that time, it is thought that those regions were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.
Around that time, it is thought that those regions were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.

Around that time, those regions were located near the south pole where coal would likely have formed.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Around that time, those regions were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts.

This observation supports the theory of plate tectonics because it indicates that the continents were once in different positions than they are today. The formation of coal deposits in tropical regions suggests that landmasses that are currently located in colder climates were once situated near the equator, where the conditions were favorable for the growth of lush vegetation. This evidence of past climate and vegetation patterns supports the idea that continents have shifted positions over geological time due to plate tectonics.