Continental Drift

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What is Continental Drift?

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

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What is Pangaea?

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A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, which eventually broke apart to form the current continents.

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What evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

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Fossil evidence, geological similarities, and the fit of continental shapes.

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What are fossils?

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Remains or impressions of ancient organisms preserved in rock.

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How do fossils support the theory of Continental Drift?

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Similar fossils found on different continents suggest that these continents were once connected.

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What is the significance of the Glossopteris fern in Continental Drift?

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It is a fossil plant found on multiple continents, indicating they were once joined.

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What is plate tectonics?

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The scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which includes the movement of continents.

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What role do glaciers play in supporting Continental Drift?

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Glacial evidence shows that continents were once located in different climates, supporting the idea of movement.

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What is the fit/shape evidence in Continental Drift?

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The observation that the coastlines of continents, like South America and Africa, fit together like puzzle pieces.

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What is the climate evidence in Continental Drift?

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Fossils of tropical plants found in cold regions suggest that continents have moved to different climates.