Quiz on Continental Drift Hypothesis & Plate Tectonics

Alfred Wegener developed the continental drift hypothesis. Several observations led to the hypothesis. Which observation DID NOT support the hypothesis of continental drift? Mark only one oval.

• The shapes of some present-day continents fit together.

• The sizes of some present-day continents are the same.

• The ages and types of rock formations on widely separated continents are similar.

• Fossils of the same land animals have been found on widely separated continents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which statement BEST supports the continental drift hypothesis? Mark only one oval.

• Similar rock formations have been found on the same continent.

• Similar rock formations have been found in the same mountain range.

• Similar rock formations have been found on widely separated continents.

• Similar rock formations have been found to form under the same condition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

How did Marie Tharpe's maps support the continental drift hypothesis?

• They helped show that tectonic plates could move.

• The helped show that fossils formed in Earth's oceans.

• They helped show that rocks could form on the ocean floor.

• They helped show that the principle of superposition was correct.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

How can earthquakes be explained by the theory of plate tectonics?

• Stress builds up and is released as parts of Earth's crust slide past each other.

• Stress builds up and is released as parts of Earth's crust slip below each parts.

• Stress builds up and is released as parts of Earth's crust crash into each other.

• Stress builds up and is released as parts of Earth's crust move away from each other.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

The diagram shows rock layers with fossils embedded in them. Which statement about the relative ages of the fossils in the diagram is correct?

• Fossil A is the oldest; Fossil D is the youngest

• Fossil D is the oldest; Fossil A is the youngest

• Fossils A and B are the same age and older than fossils C and D

• Fossils C and D are the same age and older than fossils A and B

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is the term for the plastic layer within the mantle that moves underneath the rigid tectonic plates?

• lithosphere

• asthenosphere

• oceanic crust

• subduction zone

Two continental plates move apart. Which of the following is NOT associated with this type of plate movement?

• magma

• rift valleys

• volcanoes

• mountain building

Which of the following pieces of evidence did Alfred Wegener NOT discover as a way to support his hypothesis of continental drift?

• sea floor spreading

• fossil evidence

• glacial striations

• matching mountain ranges

What happens when two oceanic plates collide?

• The older plate subducts, forming an oceanic trench

• The younger plate subducts, forming an oceanic trench

• Neither plate subducts, and folded mountains form

• Neither plate subducts and an island arc forms

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

What most likely formed this volcanic chain of islands? Mark only one oval.

• divergent oceanic plates moving apart over time

• a hot spot above the mantle that is hotter than average

• subduction between two oceanic plates

• buildup of marine sediment over time