Continental Drift

Front

Who proposed the Theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

Back

Fit/shape of continents, geologic and fossil evidence, climate evidence, all of the above.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What does the Theory of Continental Drift state?

Back

Pangaea broke apart and the continents drifted away from each other.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

How does fossil evidence support the hypothesis of continental drift?

Back

Similar fossils are found along continental margins that appear to join together, fossils are found in areas where the present-day climate could not have supported the organisms, and similar fossils of giant dinosaurs are found on continents separated by oceans.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is the significance of Alfred Wegener's work?

Back

He introduced the idea that continents are not fixed and can move over geological time.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What is the main idea of plate tectonics?

Back

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

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is the relationship between continental drift and plate tectonics?

Back

Continental drift is a part of the broader theory of plate tectonics, which explains the movement of Earth's plates.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What role do fossils play in understanding continental drift?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of how continents were once connected and how species spread across them.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Front

What is the fit/shape of continents evidence?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5