Continental Drift Flashcard

Front

What is the theory proposed by Alfred Wegener that suggests continents have moved over geological time?

Back

Continental Drift

Front

What was a major reason for the initial rejection of Wegener's theory of continental drift?

Back

He could not explain HOW the continents moved.

Front

What type of evidence did Alfred Wegener NOT use to support his continental drift hypothesis?

Back

Evidence from human remains.

Front

What is the name of the supercontinent that is believed to have existed before the continents drifted apart?

Back

Pangaea

Front

What type of geological evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

Back

Fossil evidence, geological formations, and climate evidence.

Front

What is the significance of fossil evidence in supporting the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossils of the same species found on different continents suggest they were once connected.

Front

What is the term for the process by which continents move apart from each other?

Back

Plate tectonics.

Front

What did Wegener propose about the climate of continents in the past?

Back

He suggested that continents have moved through different climate zones over time.

Front

What is the role of plate tectonics in the theory of continental drift?

Back

Plate tectonics explains the mechanisms behind the movement of continents.

Front

What evidence did Wegener provide from glacial deposits to support his theory?

Back

He noted that glacial deposits in warm climates indicated that continents were once located near the South Pole.