Continental Drift

Front

Who is credited with developing the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener

Front

What does the theory of continental drift state?

Back

The continents were once joined in a super-continent and have moved over time.

Front

What type of evidence is shown by matching fossils found on different continents?

Back

Matching fossil evidence supports the theory of continental drift.

Front

What evidence did Alfred Wegener NOT use to support his hypothesis?

Back

Comparable modern weather patterns on different continents.

Front

Why did most scientists not believe Alfred Wegener's hypothesis?

Back

He could not explain how the land masses moved.

Front

What is a super-continent?

Back

A large landmass that contains all or most of the Earth's continents, such as Pangaea.

Front

What is the significance of matching land formations in the context of continental drift?

Back

It suggests that continents were once connected and have since drifted apart.

Front

What role do fossils play in supporting the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossils of the same species found on different continents indicate that those continents were once joined.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large pieces of the lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, causing geological activity.