CONTINENTAL DRIFT THEORY

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What is the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

The Continental Drift Theory is the idea that continents have moved over geological time from a single supercontinent to their current locations.

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Who proposed the Continental Drift Theory?

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Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift Theory in the early 20th century.

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What is Pangaea?

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Pangaea is the name given to the supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, approximately 335 million years ago.

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Why was Wegener's theory initially rejected?

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Wegener's theory was initially rejected because he could not provide a convincing explanation for the mechanism that caused the continents to drift.

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What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

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Wegener used evidence such as the fit of the continents, fossil distribution, and geological similarities across continents.

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Which two continents fit together most noticeably?

Back

South America and Africa fit together most noticeably.

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What type of fossils did Wegener find in Antarctica?

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Wegener found plant fossils in Antarctica that would not survive in its current cold climate.

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What was one major criticism of Wegener's theory?

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One major criticism was that Wegener could not explain what force was moving the continents.

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What is the significance of fossil distribution in supporting the Continental Drift Theory?

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Fossil distribution shows that similar species existed on continents that are now separated by oceans, suggesting they were once connected.

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What role did the ocean floor play in the development of the Continental Drift Theory?

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The ocean floor's age and the discovery of mid-ocean ridges provided evidence for the movement of continents.