TASK CARDS: Superposition and Continental Drift

Front

Who is credited with developing the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener

Front

Where are Mesosaurus fossils found?

Back

Between Africa and South America.

Front

What is the principle of superposition in geology?

Back

In undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil distribution, geological similarities, and the fit of continental coastlines.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The movement of the Earth's continents relative to each other.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A large slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What is the significance of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

Back

It is a divergent boundary where new oceanic crust is formed.

Front

What are Pangaea and its significance?

Back

Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, illustrating the concept of continental drift.

Front

What role do fossils play in supporting continental drift?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between continental crust and oceanic crust?

Back

Continental crust is thicker and less dense than oceanic crust.