CONTINENTAL DRIFT THEORY

Front

What is the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

The Continental Drift Theory is a scientific theory that explains how continents have moved over geological time, suggesting that they were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea and have since drifted apart.

Front

What are the three types of evidence that support Alfred Wegener's Theory?

Back

Fossils, Land forms, and Climate.

Front

Which evidence was not used by Wegener as evidence of continental drift?

Back

Magnetic reversals on the seafloor.

Front

Which two specific continents fit together most noticeably?

Back

South America and Africa.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

Pangaea is the name of the Mesozoic supercontinent that consisted of all of the present continents.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

How do landforms provide evidence for continental drift?

Back

Similar mountain ranges and geological features on different continents indicate that they were once part of the same landmass.

Front

What climatic evidence supports the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

Evidence of past climates, such as glacial deposits found in currently warm regions, suggests that continents have moved to different climatic zones.

Front

What is the significance of glacial scratches in the context of continental drift?

Back

Glacial scratches found on continents near the equator indicate that these continents were once located in polar regions.

Front

How does the fit of the continents support the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

The shapes of continents, such as the east coast of South America and the west coast of Africa, fit together like puzzle pieces, suggesting they were once joined.