Which statement best reflects what is known about the theory of plate tectonics? earth's lithosphere is composed of about five large plates and a few smaller plates that move across earth's surface a few meters a year.
earth's lithosphere is composed of dozens of plates that move across earth's surface a few kilometers a year.
earth's lithosphere is composed of hundreds of plates that move across earth's surface a few centimeters a year.
earth's lithosphere is composed of about a dozen large plates and a few smaller plates that move across earth's surface a few centimeters a year.

Option (4)

Explanation:

The earth is comprised of numerous lithospheric plates. This lithosphere is comprised of dozens of major plates and a few minor plates. These plates are constantly in motion over the less dense asthenosphere layer where the rocks tend to flow during deformation. This plate motion takes place due to the creation of convection current in the mantle region as a result of which the plates move under the influence of uprising magma. These currents are formed because of the heat supplied from the core of the earth.

Some of the major plates are Indo-Australian plate, North American Plate, South American plate and the Pacific plate.

Some of the minor plates include the Cocos plate, Nazca plate, and Caribbean plate.

Thus, the correct answer is option (4).

the endomembrane system i think