Unit 5 Plate Tectonic

The Appalachian mountain range in North America is similar in age and rock composition to mountain ranges in Britain and Norway. Similarly, a mountain range that runs east to west in South Africa matches a mountain range in Argentina. Which theory does this evidence support?

• A. Continents that are now separated were once joined together.

• B. Regions with similar climates show similar geological activity.

• C. Mountain building occurred at the same time in different regions.

• D. Erosion destroyed mountain ranges connecting separate continents.

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When scientists proposed the theory of continental drift, there were many skeptics. Which discovery confirmed that the continents move on plates?

• deep-sea currents

• earthquake formation

• spreading of the sea floor

• sedimentary rocks

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The theory of continental drift states that the land masses called continents were once closer together and have drifted apart over time. Which circumstance is the strongest evidence in support of this theory?

• the migration patterns of birds

• the periodic climate changes of Earth

• the large variety of animals on each continent

• the similarity of fossils on different continents

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The first person to introduce the idea of the continents moving around the surface of Earth was

• Niels Bohr.

• Albert Einstein.

• Charles Darwin.

• Alfred Wegener.

Which piece of evidence supports plate tectonic theory?

• plant fossils that are similar in size

• the weathering and erosion of coastlines

• new crust formed by seafloor spreading

• rocks with different shapes and sizes

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Which of these was used by Alfred Wegener as evidence that Earth’s continental landmasses had drifted apart over time?

• the age of the continents

• the shape of the continents

• the thickness of the continents

• the composition of the continents

Which of these provides the BEST evidence that Earth’s crust is divided into tectonic plates?

• the distribution of water on Earth’s surface

• the distribution of biomes on Earth’s surface

• the distribution of rock types on Earth’s surface

• the distribution of earthquakes on Earth’s surface

The theory of plate tectonics is based on

• evidence of sea floor spreading.

• topographic mapping of mountain ranges.

• an analysis of soil at the plate boundaries.

• volcanic activity along coastlines.

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How does this diagram help to confirm Alfred Wegener’s hypothesis of continental drift?

• It shows that Earth’s mantle has several concentric layers.

• It demonstrates that Earth’s crust is the thinnest of Earth’s layers.

• It illustrates how crustal plates float on convection currents in Earth’s mantle.

• It models how Earth’s core is subdivided into an inner core and an outer core.

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Extreme conditions make Antarctica difficult for vegetative growth. Most of the plants that grow in Antarctica are simple plants, such as mosses. However, scientists found many fossils of broad-leaved plants that are now extinct. Which statement explains why extinct broad-leaved plants have been found in Antarctica?

• A. Polar regions of Earth provided enough water to support plant life.

• B. Tsunamis carried rocks containing plant fossils to Antarctica over time.

• C. Antarctica was once joined with other continents farther from the South Pole.

• D. Earth’s South Pole was located where the equator is today millions of years ago.

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