Continental Drift

Front

What is the continental drift hypothesis?

Back

The hypothesis that continents are in constant motion on the surface of Earth.

Front

What is a matching fossil?

Back

A fossil found on different continents that supports the idea of continental drift, indicating that those continents were once connected.

Front

What drives plate movement in the Earth's mantle?

Back

Convection currents.

Front

What causes convection currents in the mantle?

Back

The heat from the Earth's core causing the mantle material to rise and fall.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

The name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, when all continents were joined together.

Front

What type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move apart?

Back

Divergent boundary.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil evidence, geological formations, and climate evidence.

Front

What is the significance of the mesosaurus fossil?

Back

It is found in both South America and Africa, providing evidence that these continents were once connected.