Continental Drift

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What is the Continental Drift theory?

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The Continental Drift theory proposes that continents have moved over geological time from a single supercontinent to their current locations.

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Who proposed the Continental Drift theory?

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Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift theory in the early 20th century.

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What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of Continental Drift?

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Wegener used evidence such as the fit of the continents, fossil distribution, and geological similarities across continents.

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What was Pangaea?

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Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, consisting of all the Earth's landmasses.

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Why was the Continental Drift theory initially rejected by scientists?

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The theory was initially rejected because scientists could not explain the mechanism that caused the continents to move.

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What is the significance of the fit of the continents in the Continental Drift theory?

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

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What role do fossils play in supporting the Continental Drift theory?

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Fossils of the same species found on different continents support the idea that these continents were once connected.

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What is the difference between Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics?

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Continental Drift refers to the movement of continents, while Plate Tectonics is the broader theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere on the asthenosphere.

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What geological features can result from the movement of tectonic plates?

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The movement of tectonic plates can result in earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain building, and ocean trench formation.

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How does the concept of sea-floor spreading relate to Continental Drift?

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Sea-floor spreading provides a mechanism for Continental Drift by showing how new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, pushing continents apart.

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