20 Questions
Who first proposed the existence of the supercontinent Pangaea?
Alfred Wegener
What geological process caused Pangaea to break apart?
continental drift
What is the estimated age range of Pangaea?
280-230 million years ago
What is the name of the supercontinent proposed to have existed 280-230 million years ago?
Pangaea
Who is the scientist credited with proposing the existence of Pangaea?
Alfred Wegener
What is the theory that explains the changing position of continents called?
Plate tectonics
What is a supercontinent?
A supercontinent is a giant landmass made up of many or all continents.
What was the name of the most recent supercontinent in Earth's history?
The most recent supercontinent in Earth's history was named Pangaea.
What are tectonic plates?
Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's crust that move around, pushing together, pulling apart, and sliding past each other.
What is continental drift?
Continental drift is the shifting of continents on the Earth's surface due to geological forces.
What is the definition of Pangaea?
Pangaea is derived from the Greek words 'pan' meaning 'all' and 'gaia' meaning 'earth'. Therefore, the literal definition of Pangaea is 'all the Earth.'
What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener used evidence such as similar rock formations, fossils of the same plants and animals on widely separated continents, and similar deposits left behind by glaciers on different continents to support his theory of continental drift.
Who was the first person to propose the concept of Pangaea?
Alfred Wegener
What does the name 'Pangaea' mean?
whole earth
What is the process called when the continents crash into, slide past, and pull away from each other?
plate tectonics
What is the term for the splitting apart of the continents?
drifting
What is the term for the large tectonic plates that our current continents and landmasses are part of?
tectonic plates
What is continental drift?
Continental drift is the theory that suggests that the continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea, and have since moved apart to their current positions.
What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener used several pieces of evidence to support his theory of continental drift. This included the similarities of coastlines, the presence of similar rock formations and fossils on different continents, and the matching patterns of glacial deposits on different continents.
When was Pangaea believed to have existed?
Pangaea is believed to have existed about 225 million years ago.
Test your knowledge about plate tectonics and continental drift! Learn about the formation of the Ural Mountains, the connection between Europe and Asia, and the presence of tropical plant fossils in Antarctica. Explore how tectonic plates are still shifting today and discover the fascinating predictions for the future of our continents.
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