The theory of plate tectonics proposes that the earth’s lithosphere is divided into ______ major and some minor plates.

The correct answer is 7.
Key Points

• The theory of plate tectonics proposes that the earth's lithosphere is divided into 7 major and 8 minor plates.
• The theory of plate tectonics is the modern update of Continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912.
• The theory of plate tectonics explains the features and movement of the Earth's surface.
• In Plate tectonics, Earth’s outermost layer i.e. the lithosphere is broken into large rocky plates.
• Plate tectonics explains many events such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and the formation of mountains which are a result of Earth’s subterranean movements.
• The Lithosphere is made of the crust and upper mantle of the Earth and is 100km thick.

Additional Information

• The Largest plates are the Antarctic, Eurasian, and North American plates.
• Continental plates (up to 200km) are thicker than oceanic plates (50-100km).
• The Seven major plates are:

1. African,
2. Antarctic,
3. Eurasian,
4. North American,
5. South American,
6. India-Australian, and
7. The Pacific plates

​The Some of minor plates are:

• Arabian,
• Caribbean,
• Nazca, and
• Scotia plates.​