Continental Drift Hypothesis Quiz

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What is the main difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

A hypothesis is confirmed through further investigation, while a theory is validated through observation only.

A hypothesis explains a natural phenomenon, while a theory acts as the foundation for further investigation.

A hypothesis is an educated guess based on data, while a theory explains a natural phenomenon. (correct)

A hypothesis is validated through observation and experimentation, while a theory is an educated guess based on data.

What did Alfred Wegener hypothesize about the continents?

They drifted in the oceans independently.

They were static and never moved.

They were once connected in a supercontinent called Pangaea. (correct)

They were created through volcanic eruptions.

What does the term 'PANGAEA' mean in Greek?

'All fire'

'All water'

'All land' (correct)

'All air'

Which observation supported the Continental Drift Hypothesis proposed by Alfred Wegener?

The coastlines of South America and Africa perfectly fit together. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Sea Floor Spreading Hypothesis explain?

The formation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Wegener's idea of Continental Drift initially met with skepticism?

Inadequate technology to prove his theory at that time. Signup and view all the answers

What hypothesis was based on observations but rejected by other scientists due to the inability to identify the source of the force needed for continents to move?

Continental Drift Hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Who was the American geophysicist and Naval officer credited with observing a continuous chain of huge mountain ranges or mid-ocean ridges, leading to the Sea-Floor Spreading Hypothesis?

HARRY HESS Signup and view all the answers

What theory explains the formation of new oceanic crust that leads to the movement of plates?

Plate Tectonics Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which fact about the rocks on either side of a mid-ocean ridge supported the Seafloor Spreading hypothesis?

Oldest rocks farthest from the ridge Signup and view all the answers

Who conducted the mapping of large areas of the oceans for the first time during World War II to locate enemy submarines?

United States Navy Signup and view all the answers

Which event led to the acceptance of the Seafloor Spreading hypothesis as valid after its discovery?

"Magnetic Patterns" discovery in rocks Signup and view all the answers

What geological evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

Fragments of an old fold mountain belt found on widely separated continents today Signup and view all the answers

How does the geological fit between eastern South America and West Africa provide evidence for plate tectonics?

It shows that ancient rock outcrops over 2,000 million years old were continuous from one continent to the other Signup and view all the answers

Why is the presence of glacial deposits during the Permo-Carboniferous glaciation in Antarctica, Africa, South America, India, and Australia significant in understanding Earth's history?

It suggests that a large ice sheet extended from the south pole to the equator during this time Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is responsible for the formation of isolated fossils found on separate continents and nowhere else?

Continental Drift Signup and view all the answers

How does the distribution of fossil evidence across continents support the theory of PANGAEA?

It implies a single supercontinent where species could have been distributed before continental drift Signup and view all the answers

How does the finding of ancient rock outcrops over 2,000 million years old continuous from one continent to another contribute to our understanding of Earth's history?

It provides geological evidence for plate tectonics and continental drift Signup and view all the answers