Continental Drift Theory

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What is the Continental Drift Theory?

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The Continental Drift Theory is the scientific theory that explains how continents have moved over geological time, suggesting that they were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea.

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Who proposed the Continental Drift Theory?

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Alfred Wegener, a German scientist, first proposed the Continental Drift Theory in the early 20th century.

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What is Pangaea?

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Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, where all the continents were joined together.

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What evidence supports the Continental Drift Theory?

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Evidence includes fossil distribution, rock formations, glacial deposits, and the fit of continental coastlines.

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What is fossil evidence in relation to continental drift?

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Fossil evidence refers to the discovery of similar fossils on different continents, suggesting that these continents were once connected.

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What role do glacial deposits play in supporting continental drift?

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Glacial deposits found in tropical regions indicate that those areas were once located near the poles, supporting the idea of continental movement.

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What is plate tectonics?

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Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which includes the movement of continents.

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What is the significance of mountain ranges in continental drift?

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Mountain ranges on different continents that align suggest that those continents were once connected and have since drifted apart.

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What is the difference between continental drift and plate tectonics?

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Continental drift refers specifically to the movement of continents, while plate tectonics encompasses the movement of both continents and oceanic plates.

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What is climate evidence in relation to continental drift?

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Climate evidence includes the presence of coal deposits in cold regions and glacial deposits in warm regions, indicating past climate conditions.