Warm-up: Continental Drift

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory of continental drift states that the continents were once joined in a super-continent and have moved over time.

Front

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift.

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

Back

Wegener used evidence such as the distribution of fossils, geological similarities, and the fit of continental coastlines.

Front

Where did Wegener find plant fossils that today would not survive?

Back

Wegener found plant fossils in Antarctica.

Front

What are the two types of Earth's crust?

Back

The two types of Earth's crust are continental crust (thicker, less dense) and oceanic crust (thinner, more dense).

Front

Why was Wegener's theory initially rejected?

Back

Wegener's theory was initially rejected because he could not explain how the continents moved.

Front

What is a super-continent?

Back

A super-continent is a large landmass that contains multiple continents, such as Pangaea.

Front

What role do fossils play in supporting the continental drift hypothesis?

Back

Fossils of similar species found on different continents suggest that those continents were once connected.

Front

What is the significance of the fit of continental coastlines in the theory of continental drift?

Back

The fit of continental coastlines suggests that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart.

Front

What geological evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Geological evidence includes matching rock formations and mountain ranges on different continents.