Continental Drift

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Fossils, fit/shape of continents, geological evidence, and climate evidence.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, which eventually broke apart to form the current continents.

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Remains or traces of ancient organisms preserved in rock, providing evidence for the history of life on Earth.

Front

How does the fit/shape of continents support Continental Drift?

Back

The coastlines of continents, such as South America and Africa, appear to fit together like pieces of a puzzle, suggesting they were once connected.

Front

What is the significance of the Glossopteris fern in Continental Drift?

Back

Fossils of Glossopteris found in different continents indicate that these continents were once connected in a warmer climate.

Front

What type of climate did Antarctica have when Glossopteris grew there?

Back

Warm and wet climate.

Front

What is geological evidence in the context of Continental Drift?

Back

Similar rock formations and mountain ranges found on different continents that suggest they were once part of the same landmass.

Front

What is climate evidence in the context of Continental Drift?

Back

Patterns of ancient climates inferred from fossil evidence that indicate continents were once located in different climatic zones.

Front

What does the term 'fit/shape of continents' refer to?

Back

The observation that the shapes of continents suggest they were once joined together.