QUIZ - Plate Tectonics (2023)

FIRST Name:

LAST Name:

Class Period:

• 2
• 3
• 5
• 6
• 7

Lystrosaurus was a dinosaur that probably could not swim very far. How might the locations of Lystrosaurus fossils today be seen as evidence that the continents were once together?

• If the landmasses were together, then Lystrosaurus could walk from one landmass to another.
• If the landmasses were together, then Lystrosaurus could not walk from one landmass to another.
• If the landmasses were separated, then Lystrosaurus could learn to swim from one landmass to another.

What evidence supports the idea that all the continents were once joined together?

• Similar organic rock (coal) deposits found on different continents.
• Matching mountain ranges, like the Appalachians and Caledonians.
• Fossils of tropical organisms found on non-tropical continents
• Symmetrical seafloor rock ages and patterns
• All of the above.

How might Alfred Wegener explain how the Himalaya mountains formed?

• The Himalayan Mountains formed when India crashed into Eurasia.
• The Himalayan Mountains formed when India ripped apart from Eurasia.
• The Himalayan Mountains formed when glaciers covered Africa.

Antarctica is a frozen land, so cold and icy that no trees can grow there. Yet scientists have discovered fossils of ancient jungle plants there. How might Alfred Wegener explain why plant fossils are found on Antarctica today?

• Antarctica used to be located closer to the north pole.
• Antarctica used to be located closer to the south pole.
• Antarctica used to be located closer to the equator.

The red-dashed-line represents the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where sea floor spreading is taking place. Where will you find the OLDEST rock relative to the ridge?

• The oldest rock is closest to the ridge.
• The oldest rock is furthest from the ridge.
• The oldest rock is on the left side of the ridge.
• The oldest rock is on the right side of the ridge.

GPS (Global Positioning satellite System) can measure the rate at which the continents are moving, which is approximately _____ per year.

• 2.5 cm per year
• 2.5 miles per year
• 2.5 million miles per year

The Theory of Plate tectonics states that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that move around on top of the _____.

• crust
• hydrosphere
• atmosphere
• asthenosphere