Continental Drift REVIEW

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Fossil evidence, matching land formations, and climate change evidence.

Front

What is matching land formation evidence?

Back

It refers to the observation that mountain ranges on different continents are the same age, type, and structure.

Front

Why was Wegener's theory of Continental Drift initially rejected?

Back

He could not identify the cause behind continental drift.

Front

What is an example of climate change evidence?

Back

Coal found in cold areas today indicates it used to be closer to the equator.

Front

What is a mesosaurus?

Back

A prehistoric reptile whose fossils were found in both South America and Africa, supporting the idea of continental drift.

Front

What are glacial striations?

Back

Scratches or grooves on rock surfaces caused by glacial movement, indicating past climate conditions.

Front

What is matching fossil evidence?

Back

The discovery of identical fossils on different continents, suggesting they were once connected.

Front

What is the significance of mountain ranges in Continental Drift?

Back

Mountain ranges with the same rock type and age lining up across oceans provide evidence of past continental connections.

Front

What role do tectonic plates play in Continental Drift?

Back

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