Exploring Alfred Wegener's Continental Drift Theory

The video explores Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift, which suggests that continents were once part of a supercontinent called Pangaea. Wegener provided four main pieces of evidence: the apparent fit of continents, fossil correlation, rock and mountain correlation, and paleoclimate data. Despite his compelling evidence, Wegener's theory was initially rejected due to the lack of an explanation for the force driving continental movement. His work laid the foundation for modern geology, although he did not live to see his ideas widely accepted.

What observation did Alfred Wegener make about the continents that led him to propose the theory of continental drift?

• They have similar wildlife.

• They have the same types of soil.

• They have similar climates.

• They appear to fit together like puzzle pieces.

Which coastlines did Wegener find to fit together most obviously?

• Eastern coast of North America and western coast of Europe

• Southern coast of Australia and northern coast of Antarctica

• Eastern coast of South America and western coast of Africa

• Western coast of North America and eastern coast of Asia

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What was the name of the ancient freshwater reptile whose fossils were found in both South America and Africa?

• Glossopteris

• Cynognathus

• Mesosaurus

• Lystrosaurus

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Why was it unlikely that Mesosaurus could have traveled between South America and Africa?

• It was a land reptile.

• It was a flying reptile.

• It was a saltwater reptile.

• It was a freshwater reptile.

What did Wegener conclude about the distribution of similar fossils found in distant locations?

• The animals evolved independently in different places.

• The fossils were moved by humans.

• The animals could swim long distances.

• The continents were once connected.

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What did Wegener find about the rock formations in the northeastern United States and northern Europe?

• They were formed at different times.

• They were different types of rocks.

• They were formed by volcanic activity.

• They were the same type and age of rock.

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What did Wegener's rock and mountain correlation evidence suggest?

• The rocks formed at the same time in the same location.

• The rocks were formed by meteor impacts.

• The rocks formed in different locations.

• The rocks were transported by glaciers.

What type of evidence did Wegener use to show that areas now near the equator were once near the poles?

• Fossil evidence

• Climate evidence

• Rock evidence

• Ocean current evidence

What did Wegener find in currently cold areas that suggested they were once tropical?

• Glacial striations

• Bituminous coal

• Salt deposits

• Desert sand

What was the main challenge Wegener faced in getting his theory accepted?

• Inability to find similar climates

• Inability to explain the force moving the continents

• Lack of rock evidence

• Lack of fossil evidence

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