4-2 1.1~1.2

The earth’s surface has changed dramatically over its long history.
地球表面被它長久的歷史顯著地改變。
Scientists have discovered that huge flows of molten rock within the earth’s interior break its surface into a series of gigantic solid plates, called tectonic plates.
科學家發現地球內部有著巨大的流動熔岩在打斷他的表土而形成巨大的堅實板塊，稱之為地殼構造板塊
For hundreds of millions of years, these plates have drifted very slowly atop the earth’s mantle.
數千萬年間，這些板塊在地幔上緩慢地飄移開來。
This process has had two important effects on the evolution and location of life on the earth.
這個過程有兩個重要影響對於地球上的環境和位置。
First, the locations of continents and oceanic basins greatly influence the earth’s climate and thus help determine where plants and animals can live.
首先，大陸的地點和海洋分布大大地影響地球的氣候和因而決定植物和動物可能在哪生存。
Second, the movement continents has allowed species to move, adapt to new environments, and form news species through natural selection.
其次，板塊運動可讓種類遷移，適應新環境和透過天擇形成新物種。