7.10A Evidence for Continental Drift Theory

Which point on the map is identified as the North American plate?

Select the correct answer.

• A

• B

• C

• D

• E

Plate Tectonic Theory is the theory that explains how Earth's landforms are created as huge plates of lithosphere move slowly above the mantle. The image models evidence of Plate Tectonic Theory. What is occurring at the locations marked with the black arrows?

• conduction

• convection

• condensation

• radiation

According to continental drift, the continents were once joined together as one giant landmass called Pangaea. What major forms of evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support this concept?

Select TWO correct answers.

• The same species of bird is currently found on 2 or more continents.

• Similar rock and fossil evidence have been found on the coastlines of two or more continents.

• Magnetic striping found in seafloor spreading shows a pattern of Earth's magnetic field reversal over time.

• Glacier deposits have been found on two or more continents near the equator.

• Convection currents in the mantle move the Earth's crustal plates, causing plate boundaries to collide, separate, or slide against one another.

The diagram below shows four layers of sediment under the ground. Which two statements can students make about the layers of sediment underground?

Select two correct answers.

• Fossils collected from Layer 1 will be younger than those collected from Layer 4.

• Fossils collected from Layer 3 will be larger than those collected from Layer 2

• Fossils collected from Layer 3 will be the same age as fossils collected from Layer 1.

• Fossils collected from Layer 4 will be older than fossils collected from Layer 2.

• Fossils collected from Layer 4 could be closely related to fossils collected in Layer 1.

On which plate is Texas located?

• A

• B

• C

Fossil evidence of the land animal Lystrosaurus has been found in the same geological layer on the continents of Africa, India, and Antartica. These continents are now separated by major bodies of water. The discoveries of these fossils help to prove the concept of -

• sea floor spreading

• continental drift

• glacial impact

• evolution

In 1912, Alfred Wegener proposed the idea of continental drift, which states that the continents were once together in a giant supercontinent. Continents then broke apart and slowly moved away from each other. Alfred Wegener’s proposed theory was not widely accepted until much later. Which of the following is the most likely reason that the theory was not widely accepted?

• It looks like South America and Africa fit together like puzzle pieces.

• Fossils of similar land animals were found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

• There was no explanation for the mechanism that could move the continents.

• Mountains made of similar rock types and ages were located on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Which is the best evidence that continents that are now separated were once joined?

• Continents that were once joined now have similar climates.

• Identical plant and animal fossils are found on continents that are now separated.

• The cultures of the people on separated continents have similar languages.

• The migratory patterns of wildlife on separated continents are similar.

Evidences of Continental Drift: (alphabetical) ​ (a)   ​ (b)   ​ (c)   ​
(d)  

• Coastlines
• Fossils
• Ancient climates
• Mountain ranges
• Land bridges

What do these color strips show between South America and Africa with the Theory of Plate Tectonics?

• Similar cultures

• Similar fossils

• Similar languages

• Similar weather

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1