Continental Drift

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a supercontinent.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil evidence, geological similarities, and climatic evidence.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

Why was Wegener's theory initially rejected?

Back

He could not provide a mechanism for how continents moved.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What type of evidence was NOT used by Alfred Wegener to support his continental drift hypothesis?

Back

Evidence from human remains.

Front

What is the significance of fossil evidence in supporting continental drift?

Back

Fossils of the same species found on different continents suggest they were once connected.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What role do tectonic plates play in continental drift?

Back

Tectonic plates are the large sections of Earth's lithosphere that move and can cause continents to drift.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What is the difference between continental drift and plate tectonics?

Back

Continental drift refers specifically to the movement of continents, while plate tectonics encompasses the movement of all Earth's lithospheric plates.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What geological features can result from continental drift?

Back

Mountain ranges, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1