Lesson 1: Moving Continents Reading Comprehension

What did Alfred Wegener propose about the continents?

• They are stationary and have never moved.

• They slowly drift across Earth’s surface.

• They move because of Earth’s magnetic field.

• They only move during earthquakes.

Answer explanation

Alfred Wegener proposed that continents are not stationary; instead, they slowly drift across Earth’s surface, a concept known as continental drift. This idea contrasts with the other options provided.

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What is Pangaea?

• A theory about earthquakes

• A supercontinent that included all landmasses

• A mountain range

• A type of fossil

Answer explanation

Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, bringing together all the Earth's landmasses into one large landmass before they drifted apart. This makes 'A supercontinent that included all landmasses' the correct choice.

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Which type of evidence did Wegener NOT use to support his hypothesis?

• Fossils

• Climate clues

• Shape of continents

• Modern satellite data

Answer explanation

Wegener did not use modern satellite data to support his hypothesis of continental drift. Instead, he relied on fossils, climate clues, and the shape of continents as evidence.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What are glacial grooves?

• Scratches on rocks made by moving glaciers

• Paths made by rivers

• Layers of coal deposits

• Fossils of ancient plants

Answer explanation

Glacial grooves are scratches on rocks created by the movement of glaciers. As glaciers advance, they scrape the underlying rock, leaving distinct marks that indicate their path.

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Why did scientists reject Wegener’s hypothesis during his lifetime?

• He did not have evidence to support it.

• He couldn’t explain how continents move.

• He was not a scientist.

• There was no interest in Earth’s history at the time.

Answer explanation

Scientists rejected Wegener's hypothesis because he could not explain the mechanism of continental movement, which left his theory lacking in scientific credibility despite his observations.

Pangaea is the name of the _______________ that existed long ago, joining all continents together.

Answer explanation

Pangaea is referred to as a supercontinent because it was a massive landmass that combined all the Earth's continents into one large area millions of years ago, before they drifted apart.

Fossils of the plant Glossopteris found on different continents suggest that the continents were once _______________.

Answer explanation

Fossils of Glossopteris found on different continents indicate that these landmasses were once connected, supporting the theory of continental drift.

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Wegener noticed that the coastlines of _______________ and _______________ fit together like puzzle pieces.

Answer explanation

Wegener noticed that the coastlines of South America and Africa fit together like puzzle pieces, supporting his theory of continental drift.

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Why was the discovery of similar rock formations on different continents important for Wegener’s hypothesis?

Answer explanation

The discovery of similar rock formations on different continents supported Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift, suggesting that these continents were once connected and have since moved apart, providing evidence for his theory.

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How do glacial grooves provide evidence for continental drift?

Answer explanation

Glacial grooves are scratches on rocks caused by glaciers. Their alignment across continents suggests these landmasses were once connected, supporting the theory of continental drift as glaciers moved over a unified land area.

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