Continental Drift Theory

Front

What is the name of the theory proposed by Alfred Wegener?

Back

Continental Drift Theory

Front

What does the Theory of Continental Drift state?

Back

Pangaea broke apart and the continents 'drifted' away from each other.

Front

What evidence did Wegener provide for his theory of continental drift?

Back

He noted that plant and animal fossils, as well as rock layers, matched up in South America and Africa.

Front

What does the discovery of ancient fern fossils on Antarctica suggest?

Back

It suggests that Antarctica drifted from a warmer climate where plants could grow.

Front

Who was the first scientist to propose the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

Alfred Wegener

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras.

Front

What is the significance of matching coastlines in the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

Matching coastlines of continents like South America and Africa support the idea that they were once joined.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics?

Back

Continental Drift focuses on the movement of continents, while Plate Tectonics explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere as tectonic plates.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a massive, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere.