Unit 5, Lesson 1 (independent reading flashcard) CKLA

Front

Who provided evidence that ALL of the continents were once connected?

Back

Alfred Wegener is the scientist who proposed the theory of continental drift, suggesting that all continents were once part of a single landmass.

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory of continental drift states that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

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

Front

How do scientists know Antarctica once had a warm climate?

Back

Scientists found fossilized ferns on Antarctica that only grow in warm areas, indicating it had a warmer climate in the past.

Front

What are fossilized ferns?

Back

Fossilized ferns are the remains of fern plants that have been preserved in rock, providing evidence of past climates.

Front

What is paleoclimatology?

Back

Paleoclimatology is the study of past climates using data from tree rings, ice cores, and sediment.

Front

What role do fossils play in understanding Earth's history?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life and environments, helping scientists reconstruct Earth's history.

Front

What is the significance of Alfred Wegener's work?

Back

Alfred Wegener's work laid the foundation for modern geology and our understanding of plate tectonics.

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of Earth's crust that move and interact at their boundaries.