Continental Drift

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time from one location to another, suggesting that they were once part of a single landmass.

Front

Who proposed the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

Back

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

Front

What is the main reason scientists initially rejected Wegener's theory?

Back

He could not explain how or why the continents moved.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, where all continents were joined together.

Front

What is the significance of Mesosaurus fossils in the context of Continental Drift?

Back

Mesosaurus fossils found on different continents suggest that those continents were once connected, as the animal could not swim across oceans.

Front

What is the role of fossil evidence in supporting the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Fossils of the same species found on different continents indicate that those continents were once joined.

Front

What is the difference between Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics?

Back

Continental Drift is the theory that continents move, while Plate Tectonics explains the movement of the Earth's plates and the forces behind it.