Continental Drift Theory

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What is the Continental Drift Theory?

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The Continental Drift Theory is the hypothesis that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea.

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What evidence supports the Continental Drift Theory?

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Evidence includes fossil evidence, geological similarities, and climatic evidence such as glacier scars and coal deposits.

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What is the significance of the fossil Glossopteris in the context of Continental Drift?

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Glossopteris is a fossilized plant found on multiple continents, indicating that these continents were once connected in a warmer climate.

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How do glacier scars in Africa support the Continental Drift Theory?

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Glacier scars in Africa suggest that the continent was once located in a much colder climate, supporting the idea that continents have shifted positions.

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What does the presence of Lystrosaurus fossils on different continents indicate?

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Lystrosaurus fossils found on continents that are now separated indicate that these continents were once connected, as Lystrosaurus could not swim.

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What climate did Antarctica have when Glossopteris was growing there?

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Antarctica had a warm and wet climate when Glossopteris was growing there, suggesting it was once located closer to the equator.

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What is Pangaea?

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Pangaea is the name given to the supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, before it began to break apart.

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What role do climatic conditions play in the Continental Drift Theory?

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Climatic conditions provide evidence of past environments that support the idea that continents have moved, as similar climates are found on now-separated continents.

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What is the importance of matching geological formations in different continents?

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Matching geological formations across continents supports the idea that they were once part of the same landmass, providing evidence for continental drift.

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How does the distribution of coal deposits relate to the Continental Drift Theory?

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Coal deposits found in cold regions today suggest that those areas were once located in warmer, tropical climates, supporting the idea of continental movement.