Continental Drift

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together.

Front

Who proposed the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Fossils of similar plants and animals found on different continents.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away.

Front

What type of scientist was Alfred Wegener?

Back

Meteorologist.

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What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the significance of matching coastlines?

Back

It suggests that continents were once connected.

Front

What is paleontology?

Back

The study of fossils and ancient life forms.

Front

What role do fossils play in supporting Continental Drift?

Back

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

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.