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

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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 evidence supports the Continental Drift Theory?

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Evidence includes similar fossil records across continents, geological formations, and climate indicators such as glacier scars.

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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, meaning 'all Earth' in ancient Greek.

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What role do fossils play in supporting the Continental Drift Theory?

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Fossils of the same species found on different continents suggest that these continents were once connected.

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What is the significance of glacier scars in the context of continental drift?

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Glacier scars found in warm regions indicate that those continents were once located in colder climates.

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What is the primary force that drives continental movement?

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Convection currents in the Earth's mantle are the primary force that drives the movement of continents.

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What is sea-floor spreading?

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Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and pushes continents apart.

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How does the theory of plate tectonics relate to continental drift?

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Plate tectonics is the modern theory that explains how the Earth's plates move, incorporating the ideas of continental drift.

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.