What geographic feature is typically altered by plate tectonics?

The correct answer highlights that landforms and geological structures are significantly altered by plate tectonics. This process involves the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates, which can lead to the formation of various geological features such as mountains, valleys, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. For instance, when two tectonic plates collide, they can create mountain ranges, while divergent boundaries can result in rift valleys and mid-ocean ridges.

In contrast, weather patterns are influenced more by atmospheric conditions and ocean currents than by tectonic movements directly. Likewise, while population distribution can be affected by the geography created by tectonic activity, it is not directly changed by the tectonic processes themselves. Biomes and ecosystems are shaped by various environmental factors, such as climate and soil, rather than directly by tectonic changes. Thus, the alteration of landforms and geological structures by plate tectonics is a primary characteristic of how the Earth's surface is reshaped over time.