Editing Plate tectonics (section)

== Implications for life ==
According to a hypothesis proposed by Robert Stern and Taras Gerya, plate tectonics are a necessary criterion for a planet to be able to sustain complex life because of the role plate tectonics plays in regulating the carbon cycle.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Stern |first1=Robert J. |last2=Gerya |first2=Taras V. |date=12 April 2024 |title=The importance of continents, oceans and plate tectonics for the evolution of complex life: implications for finding extraterrestrial civilizations |journal=[[Scientific Reports]] |language=en |volume=14 |issue=1 |pages=8552 |doi=10.1038/s41598-024-54700-x |pmid=38609425 |issn=2045-2322 |pmc=11015018 |bibcode=2024NatSR..14.8552S }}</ref>

Continental drift theory helps biogeographers to explain the disjunct [[biogeographic]] distribution of present-day life found on different continents but having [[Common descent|similar ancestors]].{{sfn|Moss|Wilson|1998}}