8.9ABC

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.

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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

One of the key pieces of evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics is the puzzle fit of the continents. The theory was weakened by areas which lacked an exact fit. Later, scientists realized that the continental shelf should be included in the theory. Which statement explains why the continental shelf should be included?

• Coastlines of continents have not changed over time.

• Coastlines have been eroded over time, but the continental shelf is less affected by erosion and thus allows a better fit.

• Coastlines changed as the continents broke apart and the continental shelf remained unchanged.

• The continental shelf has grown over time and fills in the gaps, allowing for a better puzzle fit.

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

• Continental drift, fossil record, and rock deposits

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

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

The map below shows the boundaries of the tectonic plates. Which technology, developed in the early 1960s, revealed the edges of tectonic plates and led to the development of modern plate tectonic theory?

• Tiltmeter

• Satellite imagery

• Seismometers

• Core drilling

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.

A group of students cut pieces of foam shaped like the continents and float them in a container of water. The students use a straw to create currents in the water and observe as the continents move apart from one another. What theory have the students modeled?

• Continental drift theory

• Paleomagnetic theory

• Seismic activity theory

• Convection current theory

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

Which change is least likely to result from future plate movement?

• Mt. Everest will increase in height.

• Parts of California will separate from North America.

• The Grand Canyon will become larger.

• Asia and Australia will become connected