Continental Drift

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What is Continental Drift?

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The theory that continents have moved over geological time from a single supercontinent called Pangaea.

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What is Pangaea?

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A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, which eventually broke apart to form the current continents.

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What is fossil evidence in the context of Continental Drift?

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Fossils of the same species found on different continents, indicating that these continents were once connected.

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What does the term 'fit/shape of continents' refer to?

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The observation that the coastlines of continents, such as South America and Africa, appear to fit together like puzzle pieces.

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What is glacial evidence in Continental Drift?

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Scratches and grooves in rocks found in warm climates, indicating that glaciers once covered those areas.

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What are climate clues in the context of Continental Drift?

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Evidence from past climates, such as coal deposits in cold regions, suggesting that continents have moved to different climate zones.

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What is the significance of the Glossopteris fern in Continental Drift?

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Fossils of the Glossopteris fern found on multiple continents support the idea that these continents were once joined.

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What is the role of tectonic plates in Continental Drift?

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Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's crust that move and can cause continents to drift apart.

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What is the evidence of similar rock formations across continents?

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Identical rock types and ages found on different continents suggest they were once part of the same landmass.

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What is the concept of 'biogeography' in relation to Continental Drift?

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The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in relation to historical geological events, including continental drift.