Geological Evidence of Continental Drift

Fossil Correlation

• Unique fossil remains discovered in geographically distant locations support the theory of continental drift, indicating they were once connected.
• Identical fossils of plants and animals found on different continents, such as the Mesosaurus in South America and Africa, suggest former land bridges.

Rock Correlation

• Geological features like mountains and rock layers show remarkable similarities across continents, pointing to a shared geological history.
• For instance, the Appalachian Mountains in North America and the Caledonian Mountains in Scotland display similar rock types and structures, hinting at their alignment in a single landmass.

Apparent Fit

• The noticeable resemblance of continental shapes, especially how the east coast of South America fits into the west coast of Africa, emphasizes the concept of landmass connectivity.
• This visual "puzzle piece" effect raises questions about the past configurations of continents.

Paleoclimate Data

• Evidence such as coal deposits found in regions that are currently cold (like Antarctica) indicates that these areas once had a warm climate suitable for lush vegetation.
• Glacial deposits and striations located in now-warm regions (e.g., India and Africa) show that these areas were once covered by ice sheets, contrasting with their present-day climate.

This quiz explores various types of evidence supporting the theory of continental drift, such as fossil and rock correlation as well as the apparent fit of continental shapes. Participants will engage with geological features, identical fossils, and climate indicators that suggest a shared history among continents. Test your knowledge on how these pieces come together to illustrate Earth's dynamic past.