Continental Drift Theory

Front

What is the Theory of Continental Drift?

Back

The continents were once together in one large land mass but they have since drifted apart.

Front

What is the name of Alfred Wegener's Theory?

Back

Continental Drift Theory.

Front

What type of evidence shows that belts of rocks found in Africa and South America are identical in age, thickness, and type?

Back

Rock Evidence.

Front

Why was the discovery of land reptile fossils on different continents important?

Back

Land reptiles cannot swim, so the continents must have been connected for them to get across.

Front

What do you call the evidence of Wegener's Theory that tells about the remains of an organism that lived a long time ago?

Back

Fossils.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

Pangaea is the name given to the supercontinent that existed when all continents were joined together.

Front

What is the significance of fossil evidence in supporting the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of plate tectonics in the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

Plate tectonics explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which causes continents to drift.

Front

What type of evidence includes the study of ancient climates to support the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

Climate Evidence.

Front

What is the main force driving the movement of continents according to the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

The movement is driven by convection currents in the Earth's mantle.