Front

What is the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

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.

Front

What evidence supports the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

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

Front

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

Back

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

Front

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

Back

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?

Back

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.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

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

Back

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