The right option is; B. 7 major plates and many smaller plates
In the plate tectonics theory, the lithosphere is divided into 7 major plates and many smaller plates.
The plate tectonics theory is a scientific theory that explains that the Earth's lithosphere which is the rigid outer layer of the earth is made up of seven large continental and ocean sized major plates and many minor smaller plates. The movements of the plates are relative to each other and it usually ranges from zero to 100 mm per year. The interactions of the plates along their boundaries are thought to be the primary cause of majority of the earth’s seismic and volcanic activity.
The correct answer is option (A) to discover new aspects of the natural world.
The study of rock formations and living organisms in previously unexplored water habitats helps a scientist to discover the newer aspects of the natural world. The unexplored water habitats are the best source to understand the newer aspects of the aquatic bodies like the new species of plants or animals, factors affecting the aquatic life and the different types interactions in the habitats. The study of rock also helps in the study of plants and animals, which were once a part of the habitat, now in the form of fossils.
Thus, the study of rock formations cannot explain the recently observed phenomena as they help in the study of fossils. The study of living organisms in previously unexplored water habitats cannot be applied to test the conclusions of prior investigations and test the predictions of current theories as they remained unexplored.
