Continental Drift

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What is 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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Who proposed the theory of Continental Drift?

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Alfred Wegener.

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What evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

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Similar mountain ranges and rock formations found on different continents.

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What was Pangaea?

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

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What are glacier scars?

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Marks left on the Earth's surface by moving glaciers, indicating past climate conditions.

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How do fossil similarities support Continental Drift?

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

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What role do tectonic plates play in Continental Drift?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's crust that move and can cause continents to drift apart.

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What is the significance of the Appalachian Mountains in relation to Continental Drift?

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Their similarity to mountain ranges in Europe supports the idea that North America and Europe were once connected.

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What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory in scientific terms?

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A hypothesis is an educated guess that needs testing, while a theory is a well-supported explanation based on evidence.

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What is sea-floor spreading?

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The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges, contributing to the movement of continents.