Plate Tectonics & Continental drift

The theory of continental drift states that all the continents were once part of one big landmass called Pangaea. Who was the scientist that proposed this theory?

• Harry Hess

• Bill Nye

• Alfred Wegener

• Albert Einstein

Internal processes continually build up the surface of the earth, while __________________ processes break it down.

• Atmospheric

• Hydrogeological

• External

• Volcanic

Earth's internal processes are driven primarily by what?

• Heat and convection currents

• Ocean currents

• Weathering and erosion

• Earthquakes and volcanoes

Why was the theory of plate tectonics initially rejected?

• It didn't explain how continents move

• It did not explain formation of islands

• It was based upon false statements

• There was no data to support the hypothesis

Which of the following is NOT evidence of continental drift?

• Continents fit together like puzzle pieces

• Volcanic activity

• Fossil evidence

• Mineral, rock, and glacial deposit evidence

Present day fossils of similar organisms are found on different continents. This supports the theory of continental drift how?

• The environment of these organisms was once connected when continents were joined

• The organisms were avian and could live in a wide range

• The organisms often migrated

• The organisms had a large population that was widespread

Which of the following is evidence that mountain ranges on different continents were once connected?

• They have the same climate

• They are inhabited by similar wildlife

• They are the same age

• They have no trees beyond a certain height

At what rate do continents continue to move?

• About 7 feet a year

• About 2 centimeters per year

• They are not moving

• About 15 feet per year

Why don't present day continents fit perfectly together?

• Weathering and erosion of coastlines

• They have been twisted by earthquakes

• Fossils

• Human actions have changed the shape of coastlines

True/False. Pangaea was the only super-continent known to have formed over Earth's geological history.

• True

• False