Continental Drift

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed in Earth's distant past.

Front

What are the three types of evidence that support Alfred Wegener's Theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Fossils, Land forms, and Climate.

Front

Who is credited with developing the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

Why was Wegener's theory not widely accepted?

Back

He had no proof of how the continents were moving.

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of fossils in supporting continental drift?

Back

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

Front

What role do landforms play in the theory of continental drift?

Back

Similar landforms on different continents indicate they were once part of the same landmass.

Front

How does climate evidence support the theory of continental drift?

Back

Similar climate patterns in different regions suggest they were once located closer together.

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

The scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Massive slabs of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.