Lesson Check: Moving Continents

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together.

Front

What was the name of Wegener's supercontinent?

Back

Pangaea.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossils of the same species found on different continents, similar rock formations, and the fit of continental coastlines.

Front

What is the significance of the fossil Glossopteris?

Back

It is a fossil fern that provided evidence for Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift.

Front

Why can't ice caps exist in certain warm locations?

Back

Because these places are too warm for ice caps to form.

Front

What did early mapmakers notice about the coastlines of South America and Africa?

Back

They thought that the coastlines matched, suggesting that the continents were once connected.

Front

How do fossils provide evidence of continental movement?

Back

Similar fossils found on continents that are now separated by vast oceans suggest that the continents were once joined together.

Front

What is the role of glaciers in understanding continental drift?

Back

Glaciers leave behind evidence of their movement, indicating that continents were once in different positions.

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory that the Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle.

Front

What is a supercontinent?

Back

A large landmass that is made up of multiple continents joined together.