Continental Drift Theory Overview
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Questions and Answers

What observation did Alfred Wegener make about the continents?

  • They form a continuous landmass.
  • They are shaped by weather patterns.
  • They rotate in relation to each other.
  • They connect like pieces of a puzzle. (correct)

What was the main reaction of the scientific community to Wegener's theory?

  • They viewed it as a revolutionary hypothesis.
  • They embraced it as a groundbreaking idea.
  • They regarded it as a sensible proposition.
  • They considered it to be a silly thought. (correct)

In what century did Alfred Wegener propose his theory of continental drift?

  • 17th century
  • 20th century (correct)
  • 18th century
  • 19th century

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by continents?

<p>29% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What profession did Alfred Wegener primarily hold?

<p>Meteorologist (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Vagner propose about the continents?

<p>They were once connected and have drifted apart. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Pangaea' translate to in Greek?

<p>Entire earth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence did Vagner use to support his theory that continents are like puzzle pieces?

<p>The apparent fit of the continents' coastlines. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organism's fossil distribution contributed to Vagner's theory?

<p>Mezo source (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Vagner conclude about mountain ranges in the northeastern United States and Northern Europe?

<p>They are made of the same type and age of rock. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main challenge Vagner faced when promoting his theory?

<p>Skepticism from the public and scientific community. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The fossil correlation evidence suggests that identical fossils found on different continents indicate what?

<p>The continents were once joined and drifted apart. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the Mesosaurus made it significant to Vagner's theory?

<p>It lived in fresh water only. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following provides evidence for Vagner's theory related to rock structures?

<p>Mountain ranges made of the same type of rock. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Continental Drift Theory

The idea that continents were once joined and have since moved apart.

Alfred Wegener

A German meteorologist who proposed the continental drift theory.

Shape of Continents

The appearance of continents when viewed as a whole.

Continental Movement

The theory that the continents are not fixed, but move over time.

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Puzzle-like Fit of Continents

The apparent matching of the edges of some continents.

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Pangaea

The supercontinent that existed about 250 million years ago, when all the continents were connected, according to Wegener.

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Apparent Fit of Continents

The observation that the continents appear to fit together like puzzle pieces, suggesting they were once connected.

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What did Wegener believe about the continents?

Alfred Wegener believed that the continents were once joined in one supercontinent, and have since drifted apart.

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Fossil Correlation

Similar fossils found in rocks on different, now separated continents, suggesting the continents were once connected.

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Mesosaurus

An ancient freshwater reptile whose fossils are found on the eastern coast of South America and the western coast of Africa.

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Rock Correlation

Matching rock types and ages on different continents, indicating they were once a single landmass.

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How did Wegener prove his theory?

Wegener used evidence like the apparent fit of the continents, fossil correlation, and rock correlation to support his idea of continental drift.

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Why was Wegener's theory controversial?

Many scientists initially dismissed Wegener's theory because they could not explain how the continents moved.

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What did Wegener use to support his theory?

Wegener compiled evidence from geology, paleontology, and geography to build a case for continental drift.

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How did Wegener explain the distribution of fossils?

Wegener argued that fossils of land-based animals found on different continents were evidence that the continents were once connected.

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Study Notes

Continental Drift Theory

  • Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist, proposed the theory of continental drift.
  • He observed that continents appear to fit together like puzzle pieces.
  • This observation, along with fossil and geological evidence, led him to hypothesize that continents were once connected and have drifted apart.

Evidence for Continental Drift

  • Apparent fit of continents: Coastlines of continents resemble a jigsaw puzzle, suggesting prior connection.
  • Fossil correlation: Identical fossils of extinct organisms have been discovered on continents now separated by oceans. This suggests the continents were once together. Examples include the Mesosaurus.
  • Rock/Mountain correlation: Similar types and ages of rocks and mountain ranges are found on different continents, suggesting connections.
  • Paleoclimate data: Glacial evidence (striations) and fossil fuels like coal are found in areas now experiencing different climates than historical records. This suggests past climate conditions and continental movement. Coal deposits in locations presently characterized by cold climates.

Pangaea

  • Pangaea was the postulated supercontinent proposed by Wegener.
  • It existed approximately 250 million years ago.
  • Pangaea was a Greek term for "all earth."

Wegener's Fate

  • Wegener's theory was initially met with skepticism.
  • He died before his theory was fully accepted and the mechanism for continental drift was understood.
  • His expedition to the North Pole ended tragically.

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Description

Explore the groundbreaking theory of continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegener. This quiz covers key evidence such as the fit of continents, fossil correlations, and paleoclimate data. Test your knowledge on how these observations support the idea that continents were once connected.

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