Continental Drift Set 2

Front

Which two (2) present-day continents did Wegener first notice seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces? North America & Eurasia, South America & Antarctica, Africa & South America, North America & South America, Eurasia & Africa

Back

Africa & South America

Answer explanation

Wegener observed that the coastlines of Africa and South America fit together like puzzle pieces, supporting his theory of continental drift. This observation was crucial in proposing that these continents were once joined.

Front

What is the name of this scientist?

Back

Alfred Wegener

Answer explanation

Alfred Wegener is known for proposing the theory of continental drift, which explains how continents move over geological time. This distinguishes him from the other scientists listed, who are known for different scientific contributions.

Front

Alfred Wegener's idea that the continents had moved around on Earth's surface was called _____?

Back

Continental Drift

Answer explanation

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of 'Continental Drift', which suggested that continents have moved over geological time. This idea laid the groundwork for the modern theory of plate tectonics.

Front

The huge land masses that are created when most (at least 75%) of the continents "drift" together are called _____.

Back

Supercontinents

Answer explanation

The term 'supercontinents' refers to large land masses formed when most of the continents come together, typically at least 75%. This distinguishes them from regular continents, which are smaller and not necessarily connected.

Front

It takes _____ of years for supercontinents to drift together (and then apart again).

Back

Millions

Answer explanation

Supercontinents take millions of years to drift together and apart due to the slow movement of tectonic plates. This geological process occurs over extensive time scales, making 'millions' the correct choice.

Front

The continents position on Earth's surface and the shapes of the continents themselves are _____?

Back

temporary

Answer explanation

The positions and shapes of continents are influenced by tectonic activity and can change over geological time, making them temporary rather than permanent features of Earth's surface.

Front

The last supercontinent that existed on Earth was called _____.

Back

Pangaea

Answer explanation

The last supercontinent that existed on Earth is known as Pangaea, which formed about 335 million years ago and began breaking apart around 175 million years ago. Other options refer to earlier or hypothetical supercontinents.

Front

As evidence for his continental drift idea, Wegener studied the remains of prehistoric living things preserved in rock called _____?

Back

Fossils

Answer explanation

Wegener used fossils as key evidence for his continental drift theory, as they show how similar species existed on now-separated continents, supporting the idea of landmasses being connected in the past.

Front

This now-extinct small, crocodile-like, freshwater reptile was a good swimmer, but could also walk on land is called _____

Back

Mesosaurus

Answer explanation

Mesosaurus was a small, freshwater reptile known for its swimming ability and terrestrial locomotion. Unlike the other options, it specifically fits the description of a crocodile-like creature that could thrive in both water and on land.

Front

This now-extinct, plant-eating, pig-sized reptile mostly stayed on land and was called _____

Back

Lystrosaurus

Answer explanation

Lystrosaurus was a pig-sized, plant-eating reptile that primarily lived on land. It is well-known for its adaptations to terrestrial life, distinguishing it from the other options, which are either aquatic or not primarily land-dwelling.