What is the fundamental difference between mesas and plateaus?

The fundamental difference between mesas and plateaus lies in their size and shape rather than their height or the environmental conditions in which they are found. Mesas and plateaus are both elevated flat areas, but mesas are typically smaller than plateaus. A mesa has a relatively flat top and steep sides, much like a small plateau, but does not cover as extensive an area. In contrast, a plateau is a much larger, flat expanse of land that can span hundreds of miles.

Thus, the correct answer aligns with the idea that mesas are generally lower in elevation and have less overall surface area compared to plateaus, reinforcing the distinction between these two geological features.