Question

A scientist has found new data confirming the plate tectonics theory. How will this most likely help the body of knowledge in science

Answer 1

The plate tectonics theory (that the outter layer of Earth is divided into plates) is not a controversial theory, so discovery of new data is not going to change a lot in the scientific consensus - the theory is already accepted anyway.

However, it is important in science to collect many sources of support for the theories, since during the search of them, if one is found that would disprove the theory, - it would give us new knowledge and new insight, so the search for new evidence is important in itself. Further, collecting more evidence strengthens our belief in the theory - another advantage.
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