8.9A Plate Tectonic Theory

Alfred Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was not widely accepted because

• he could not provide evidence to support his claim

• the puzzle fit was his only evidence and scientists thought it was a coincidence

• he could not explain what mechanism caused the plates to move

• he claimed continents drifted on the oceans

Scientists have compiled fossil records over several continents. Which statement best explains the pattern in the diagram

• The animals migrated over time looking for food

• The organisms shown on the map lived after Pangaea

• These species were found on each continent because they were native to all continents

• The organisms lived when the continents were connected

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which statement is NOT evidence of the plate tectonic theory?

• Fossils of the same animals are found on different continents

• The continents fit together like pieces of a puzzle

• Similar weather patterns exist on different continents

• Mountain chains line up along the edges of continents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Two students create a model of continents out of clay, including evidence that supports plate tectonic theory. What evidence should be included in the model?

• Ancient mountain ranges, continental drift, and glacial deposits

• Ancient mountain ranges, glacial deposits, fossil record, and rock deposits

• Continental drift, fossil record, and rock deposits

• Rock deposits, ancient mountain ranges, glacial deposits, and continental drift

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which key component should be included in a presentation on Alfred Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift?

• There are two types of plates, continental and oceanic

• The continents' movement causes land features

• Convection currents in Earth's mantle move the plates

• The continents appear to fit together like a puzzle

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

All of the following observations seem to indicate movement of the plates EXCEPT

• rifting of the ocean floor

• convection currents in magma

• beginning of the ice age

• fossil evidence

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

How does the diagram provide evidence of plate tectonics?

• The diagram shows two plates pushing together, proving that mountains are formed

• The diagram shows the formation of volcanoes, proving the existence of underwater volcanoes

• The diagram shows symmetrical magnetic stripes, proving the seafloor is spreading

• The diagram shows an underground pool of magma, proving the mantle is hot

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A student draws the diagram shown in a notebook. What should the student label the curved arrows?

• Plates converging

• Plates diverging

• Mountain ridge

• Convection currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following phenomena is NOT explained by the plate tectonic theory, which originated from Alfred Wegener's continental drift hypothesis?

• Location of volcanoes

• Location of earthquakes

• Occurrence of similar fossils around the world

• Formation of hurricanes