TASK CARDS: Superposition and Continental Drift

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What is the theory of continental drift?

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

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

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Alfred Wegener.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What are Mesosaurus fossils?

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Fossils of a freshwater reptile that provide evidence for continental drift, found in both Africa and South America.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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Where have Glossopteris fossils been found?

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In South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is superposition in geology?

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The principle that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

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How does superposition relate to continental drift?

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Superposition helps geologists understand the age of rock layers and the history of continental movement.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

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What is the significance of fossil distribution in supporting continental drift?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What role did Harry Hess play in geology?

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He developed the theory of seafloor spreading, which complements the theory of continental drift.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is the fit of continental coastlines?

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The observation that the coastlines of continents, such as South America and Africa, appear to fit together like puzzle pieces.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3