Continental Drift Theory

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What is the Continental Drift Theory?

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The Continental Drift Theory is the idea that continents have moved over geological time from a single supercontinent called Pangaea to their current locations.

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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 the fit of continental coastlines, fossil similarities across continents, and geological formations that match up.

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What is Pangaea?

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Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed around 335 million years ago, where all continents were joined together.

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Why couldn't the Mesosaurus swim to other continents?

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It was too far to swim.

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How do the coastlines of South America and Africa support the theory?

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The coastlines of South America and Africa appear to fit together like pieces of a puzzle, suggesting they were once connected.

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What did Wegener find in Antarctica that supported his theory?

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Wegener found fossils of ancient ferns in Antarctica, indicating it was once part of a warmer climate.

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What is plate tectonics?

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Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

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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 those continents were once connected.

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What is the significance of the fit of continents?

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The fit of continents supports the idea that they were once part of a single landmass and have since drifted apart.