Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The first truly detailed and comprehensive theory of continental drift was proposed in 1912 by Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What evidence supports the idea that all the continents were once joined together? The remaining 16% is normal (also called baryonic) matter, comprised of every single planet, star and galaxy in the visible universe. Specific interpretations in Darwins theories of evolution pose challenges to modes of proceeding within feminist critique. Gondwanaland makes up the southern continents of today. One of the strongest pieces of evidence is Continental break up/fit, this is the idea that the continents were once joined together. These observations had been made before, but many people just believed it was a coincidence. The Theory of Continental Drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912. A graphic of Gondwana. Updates? The central dogma of biology. What evidence supports the theory of ocean floor? Laurasia, makes up the northern continents of today. He believed that the widely spread continents now used to be a single land or unit. They remained in this slow phase for about 40 million years. what two pieces of evidence did wegener discover that supported the idea of Pangaea? It is), Causes and Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion, Causes and Effects to Environmental Pollution, Causes and Effects of Ocean Acidification, Causes and Effects of Marine Habitat Loss, 35+ Outstanding Facts About the Planet Earth. His ideas attracted much attention in the 1920s and generated much controversy. A belt of ancient rocks along the Brazilian coast, for example, matches one in West Africa. 7 Which is an example of geological fit evidence? When plates drift away from each other, there is formation of new crust at divergent boundaries. As molten rock rises from the Earth, it forms new crust between the plates. Some 50 years later, Antonio Snider-Pellegrini, a French scientist, argued that the presence of identical fossil plants in both North American and European coal deposits could be explained if the two continents had formerly been connected, a relationship otherwise difficult to account for. He explained how the continents moved Question 9 30 seconds Q. Pangaea has not been the only supercontinent on Earth. backlog intangible asset; west metro fire union contract. Fossils of Mesosoaurs (freshwater aquatic reptiles) have been found on the continents of Africa and South America along with fossils of plant life providing more evidence that the continents were once joined and moved apart over time. 3. For example, fossils of Mesosaurus, a freshwater reptile, have been found both in Brazil and western Africa. A Paper, "The Origin of Continents and Oceans" (Die Enstehung der Kontenente) was . . The fossils of these organisms are found on lands that are now far apart. Now, looking at the current map after drifting of the continents, Cygnognathus is situated in Africa and South America. Scientists agree that continents rest on rocks called tectonic plates, which shift and move. 6 How did Alfred Wegener come up with the idea of continental drift? Dark Matter accounts for 84% of all the matter in the universe. Observable evolution on small timescales. Which does not support the theory of continental drift? Privacy Policy Answer (1 of 3): Continental drift is not a theory, it is a measured fact. How does General Mejia refer to the annexation of Texas? Evidence of Continental Drift. (askinglot.com)Around the pacific plate where there are divergent and convergent plate boundaries, there is a lot of volcanic activity. More evidence was needed, and it came from the Earth's magnetism. Corrections? . Continental Drift- This is a theory of the Earth proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912. It Doesnt), Is Galvanized Steel Conductive? answer choices He had no good evidence. He suggested that all the continents had once formed a single land mass or super continent which he called Pangaea; the ancient Greek meaning for All Earth. What evidence supports the theory of continental drift, including polar wandering data sets? At convergent plates, oceanic and continental plates collide. Which statement best supports the theory of continental drift? Noting the apparent fit of the bulge of eastern South America into the bight of Africa, the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt theorized about 1800 that the lands bordering the Atlantic Ocean had once been joined. What evidence indicated scientists that the continents were once connected? The article Flight of the Kiwi will explain how large flightless birds overcame the water barriers and dispersed around the world. Apparent Fit. answer choices True Wegener's accumulated evidence could be most logically explained by continental drift. First samples of the deep ocean floor show that basaltic oceanic crust and overlying sediment become progressively younger as the mid-ocean ridge is approached and the sediment cover is thinner near the ridge. Many people didn't believe him at first. Since the conception of his theories of natural and sexual selection in the mid to late 19th century, it has been easier to imagine Darwinism and feminism as adversaries rather than allies. 4 What is evidence use to prove continental drift? Reptile Fossils- dinosaurs couldnt have swam across a vast ocean. Wegener used fossil evidence to support his continental drift hypothesis. Which of the following explains how the map shows evidence for the existence of Pangaea? One of the reasons that dark matter has arisen as a theory is the fact that when we observe certain galaxies, they have much more kinetic energy then the masses in them would suggest, therefore, a separate force must be at play. You can measure and even in some places see over recorded history that the continents are moving. Aim : What evidence did Wegner use to support his theory of continental drift? Because Wegener could not identify a mechanism capable of moving continents. What was the name of the reptile that Wegners found in both South America and Africa? The northern continent consists of Europe, North America, and Asia. One of the clues he used was the glacier. Lived 1880 - 1930. The present continents appear to fit together as pieces of a larger landmass. The force of subduction can cause volcanoes to erupt and earthquakes to occur around the subduction zone. By Staff Writer Last Updated March 29, 2020 According to National Geographic, sea floor spreading and plate tectonics indicate that the continents do move or shift, which supports continental drift theory. (No. Evidence from fossils, glaciers, and complementary coastlines helps reveal how the plates once fit together. What are the effects of light pollution on animals? According to National Geographic, sea floor spreading and plate tectonics indicate that the continents do move or shift, which supports continental drift theory. Forces behind the drifting of continents, according to Wegener Evidence in support of Continental Drift Drawbacks of Continental Drift Theory Tectonics During WW II, it was discovered that the ocean floor had some unique relief features like ridges, trenches, seamounts, shoals etc. coal found in cold regions, glacial evidence found in warm regions. Which statement best supports the theory of continental drift quizlet? Many evidence supports the theory of continental drift. 2. Mountains created by colliding continents. Genetics. The continents are part of a large block of the Earth's crust which is known as plate. The evidence for continental drift included the fit of the continents; the distribution of ancient fossils, rocks, and mountain ranges; and the locations of ancient climatic zones. What are 2 important fossils used to support continental drift? The distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes.- Convection currents.- The theory of continental drift.- An overview of the processes and landforms at the major plate boundaries.- . Another piece of evidence is that fossils of plants, animals and invertebrates have been found on separate continents. 4. Fossil evidence for Pangaea includes the presence of similar and identical species on continents that are now great distances apart. Wegener found coal in Greenland and claimed that this supported his ideas about continental drift. Biogeography. Fossils of similar types of plants and animals in rocks of a similar age have been found on the shores of different continents, suggesting that the continents were once joined. Q. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? Fossils of Cynognathus, Lystrosaurus and the fern like plant Glossopteris have also been found across several continents. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. As basalt and lava cools down into crust, minerals such as iron and magnesium within the rock align themselves with the Earths magnetic field in the direction of the North Pole. Which of the following was never proposed as evidence supporting the existence of Pangaea? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ! Plant Fossils- all these regions were once connected and had similar climates. Cynognathus and Lystrosaurus were land reptiles and were unable to swim. He believed that the widely spread continents now used to be a single land or unit. Have no time to work on your essay? Evidence that supports the theory The Matching of Continents (Jig-Saw-Fit): The shorelines of Africa and South America facing each other match remarkably. Observable evolution on small timescales. Glossopteris ferns had very heavy seeds that could not move by wind or drift on ocean currents. It was hard for Wegner to back his theory as he was unable to explain how the continents moved. Wegener used fossil evidence to support his continental drift hypothesis. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It is much hotter than the lithosphere. Evidence supporting the continental drift theory. Again, for this creature to swim from Africa to Antarctica would have been impossible. Fossils are the stongest evidences of plate tectonics. The shape of continental coastlines visibly matched up like pieces of the puzzle. Where the plates collide they form fold mountains e.g. Terms of Use, Evidence in Support of the Continental Drift: Analytical Essay., Evidence in Support of the Continental Drift: Analytical Essay [Internet]. What are the 5 evidences of continental drift? Fossils of similar types of plants and animals in rocks of a similar age have been found on the shores of different continents, suggesting that the continents were once joined. In the early part of the 20th century scientists began to put together evidence that the continents could move around on Earths surface. Laurasia contained the land masses in the northern hemisphere such as North America, Europe and Asia. However, he supported his theory by explaining the earth's geologic history. Which of the following statements best describes the theory of continental drift? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. He supported his theory with geological evidence. How is plate tectonics supported by the apparent fit of the continental coastline? none of the above. He called his hypothesis continental drift. When he was tasked with proving how these continents moved to different places, he couldnt. Tropical plants found in Arctic- tropical plants cant grow in cold climates. How does coal in Greenland support the idea of continental drift? Answer 5: Fossils are formed when living organisms (plants or animals) die and become buried in dirt, sand or mud. Islands along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge with rocks dating back from 542 million to 2500 million years ago. Fossils of the seed fern Glossopteris were too heavy to be carried so far by wind. When this occurs, the sea floor grows wider, pushing the two continents apart. DIRECTIONS: Read each evidences given below and answer the questions on 1 whole sheet of paper. What did Alfred Wegener discover? The hypothesis addresses how the continents and oceans are distributed. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. How does this document help us answer the question: What are six pieces of evidence for the continental drift theory? The Himalayas and Mt Everest continue to grow due to the collision between the continental plates. He suggested that Pangaea broke up long ago and that the continents then moved to their current positions. The rest of the Earth is comprised of the Mantle, Liquid Outer core and the Inner Core. Fossils of creatures and plants discovered on different continents helped to him push his case that the continents were once locked together before breaking up and drifting away. The continents shapes fit well together and some continents have the same fossils. Evidence of glaciers in unexpected places. Indications of widespread glaciation from 380 to 250 million years ago are evident in Antarctica, southern South America, southern Africa, India, and Australia. Which of the following could be considered a geographic factor in westward migration? Find out everything you need to know about it here. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 2023 EduBirdie.com. In conclusion we can see that Wegner developed a theory with plenty of evidence that was later even further developed by the discovery of tectonic plates and other factors such as magnetic inclination in rocks and the effects of divergent and convergent plate boundaries. First, they theorized that separate species developed identically across the far-flung continents, a notion that was highly unlikely. It is important to know that the following specific fossil evidence was not brought up by Wegener to support his theory. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Which two pieces of fossil evidence supports the idea of continental drift? What two pieces of evidence did Wegener discover that supported the idea of Pangaea quizlet? Similar rocks found on different continents. continental drift, large-scale horizontal movements of continents relative to one another and to the ocean basins during one or more episodes of geologic time. As the oceanic plate are thinner and denser than continental plates and are pulled underneath them by subduction back into the mantle. However, he supported his theory by explaining the earth's geologic history. So, his theory is proved by the fact that the freshwater reptiles could not swim across the ocean waters, hence, their distribution on every continent. Web continental drift theory what evidence did wegener use to support his hypothesis? Convection currents take place in the mantle which can move the tectonic plates away from each other in divergent plates (constructive boundaries) and pull them together in convergent plates (destructive boundaries). Fossils of identical organisms were found on several continents indicating the continents were once joined. What Evidence Supports The Theory Of Continental Drift? While making this claim, he had a collection of evidence to support it. He died of an alleged heart attacked when on an expedition to Greenland. As they are the same density, they break when they collide and are forced upwards instead. So, the fact that these organisms could not swim through the vast water bodies helps to substantiate the fact that the continents were once together to allow distribution of these organisms in various continents where their fossils were found on. His primary sources of evidence included the fit of the continents, glacial till deposits, and the apparent shifting of climatic belts over time. THE CONTINENTAL DRIFT THEORY EVIDENCES AND EXAMPLES. Continental Drift: The movement of continents across the ocean bed is known as continental drift. The theory of continental drift was supported by the theory of plate tectonics, which has been explained elaborately in Section 6. The evidence for continental drift included the fit of the continents the distribution of ancient fossils rocks and mountain ranges and the locations of ancient climatic zones. As a result of movement of the supercontinent, Pangaea split into two super landmasses namely Laurasia and Gondwanaland. What are the three pieces of evidence for continental drift? Another fossil that supports the hypothesis of continental drift is Glossopteris (glahs AHP tur us). However, these different paths are reconciled by joining the continents in the manner proposed by Wegener. Which example is another piece of evidence? Continental drift describes one of the earliest ways geologists thought continents moved over time. Was the United States justified in going to war with Mexico? Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. They based their idea of continental drift on several lines of evidence: fit of the continents paleoclimate indicators truncated geologic features and fossils. Theblogy.com What Evidence Supports The Theory Of Continental Drift, Glossopteris fernsEvidence from fossilized organisms and mountain chains can be used to reconstruct the positions of todays continents and landmasses to form the supercontinent Pangea. Impact craters have been found both on dry land and on the ocean floor. On top of that, Lystrosaurus is situated in Antarctica, India, and Africa according to the modern map. During the early 1960s, the American geophysicist Harry H. Hess proposed that new oceanic crust is continually generated by igneous activity at the crests of oceanic ridgessubmarine mountains that follow a sinuous course of about 65,000 km (40,000 miles) along the bottom of the major ocean basins. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Africa has some of the greatest history, and physical geography. Late in the Triassic Period (which lasted from approximately 251 million to 199.6 million years ago), Pangea fragmented, and the parts began to move away from one another. Late Paleozoic sedimentary rocks often contain extensive coal seams that were used to support the existence of Pangaea. What was never proposed as evidence supporting the existence of Pangaea? The evidence for continental drift included the fit of the continents; the distribution of ancient fossils, rocks, and mountain ranges; and the locations of ancient climatic zones. Rock Correlation. Temperature and pressure both increase with depth. 3 Which is evidence supporting the theory of continental drift? 2. Molten rock material from Earths mantle rises upward to the crests, cools, and is later pushed aside by new intrusions. Which statement best supports the theory of continental drift? What is evidence use to prove continental drift? Evidence Supporting Continental Drift Continental Drift Theory Proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912 250 million years ago, all of the continents were combined into one super-continent called "Pangaea" The continents gradually drifted apart to where they are today Alfred Wegener (1880-1930), German meteorologist and geologist, was the first . Evidence from fossils glaciers and complementary coastlines helps reveal how the plates once fit together. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. The Fossil Record. Mesosaurus are fossils originating from aquatic freshwater reptiles. What evidence did Wegener not support his hypothesis of continental drift? Subsequent plate movements averaging about 2 cm (0.8 inch) per year have taken the continents to their present position. Oceanic plates are thinner and found under the ocean, they are denser (3.0kgm) than continental plates and consist of basaltic rock. The following piece of evidence represents matching geologic provinces in Africa and South America. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Alfred Wegeners Evidence of Continental Drift Theory. This essay wont pass a plagiarism check! The purpose of this report is to outline the changes and predicted changes in the volcanic regions of Australia. Continental plates are slightly less dense (2.6-2.7kgm) and are found under continents and large land masses; they largely consist of granitic rock. Over the course of millions of year ago, this gradual movement caused the once combined supercontinent to separate into 7 continents you witness in the present day. Particles of magnetized minerals released from their parent igneous rocks by weathering may later realign themselves with the existing magnetic field at the time these particles are incorporated into sedimentary deposits. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser, way easier to get an answer other from the other guy. (askinglot.com)Collisional Plate boundaries diagram and explanation YouTubeEarthguide: Online Classroom Definition: Pangaea (ucsd.edu)The Super-Continents Before Pangea YouTube, Get original paper written according to your instructions. Contact Us . Fossils tell us when and where plants and animals once existed. We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs. South America and Africa contain fossils of animals found only on those two continents, with corresponding geographic ranges. Continental drift is a theory originally proposed by Alfred Wegener, who believed the continents were once one large continent known as Pangaea that later separated into several continents. He proposed that the continents were not stationary, but actually moving or drifting away from one another. He suggested that all the continents had once formed a single land mass or super continent which he called Pangaea; the ancient Greek meaning for 'All Earth'. Today, the theory of continental drift has been replaced by the science of plate tectonics.The theory of continental drift is most associated with the scientist Alfred Wegener.In the early 20th century, Wegener published a paper explaining his theory that the continental landmasses were . What evidence did Alfred Wegener use for his hypothesis? Lystrosaurus is Fossil from land reptiles. What evidence did Wegener have for his theory of continental drift? Copy the question and answer. The direction of their magnetization is the same as the direction of Earths magnetic field at the time and place of crystallization. Darwins finches from the Galapagos Islands. What are the four pieces of evidence for continental drift quizlet? Government programs to settle the land (Yes. The mantle is a layer of red hot, semi-molten magma in which heat rises and falls. Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions. Well, we do. To support his theory Wegener pointed to matching rock formations and similar fossils in Brazil and West Africa. What evidence supports the theory of ocean floor? What types of evidence best supports the theory of plate tectonics? In the 1900's, Alfred Wegener presented an argument supporting continental drift. There is variety of evidence that supports the claims that plate tectonics accounts for (1) the distribution of fossils on different continents, (2) the occurrence of earthquakes, and (3) continental and ocean floor features including mountains, volcanoes, faults, and trenches. Continents are stationary and do not move. What are 4 evidences that support continental drift? Its, therefore, impossible that the seeds of the fern were blown by wind or floated across the ocean to have that kind of population on these 5 continents. When this occurs, the sea floor grows wider, pushing the two continents apart. As lava cools on Earths surface it forms a variety of igneous rocks. How did the alliance system lead to World War 1? What is continental drift theory explain with evidence? (It doesnt.) One indication of this possibility is the appearance of the western African and eastern South American coasts, which look like two interlocking jigsaw puzzle pieces. In addition, South America and Africa looked like they could fit together like puzzle pieces. The Himalayas. What are some of the major pieces of evidence for the theory of plate tectonics? Sea floor spreading indicates that since the continents presently move apart, previous continental drift was possible and probable as well. Magnetism in rocks can also be used as evidence for the continental drift. Fossils. One type of evidence that strongly supported the Theory of Continental Drift is the fossil record. . What did Alfred Wegener use as evidence for his theory that the continents were once one giant land mass quizlet? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Theory of Plate Tectonics was established by Alfred Wegener. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Glossopteris was Fossil from fern. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Also, fitting the Americas with the continents across the Atlantic brings together similar kinds of rocks, fossils, and geologic structures. space and science. Several types of evidence supported Hess's theory of sea-floor spreading: eruptions of molten material, magnetic stripes in the rock of the ocean floor, and the ages of the rocks themselves. It was later discovered that the crust of the Earth is comprised of tectonic plates in the Lithosphere (the outside layer formed on the crust or on the top layer of the mantle). Volcanoes are distributed randomly on every continent. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. South America and Africa contain fossils of animals found only on those two continents, with corresponding geographic ranges. S geologic history to their present position of Europe, North America, and is later pushed aside by intrusions... So far by wind contain fossils of Cynognathus, Lystrosaurus and the fern like plant Glossopteris have been... Impact craters have been impossible continents to their current positions remembering your preferences and visits! Drift theory what evidence did Wegner use to prove continental drift theory what evidence did Wegener that... Identical species on continents that are now great distances apart were once joined together found! Up long ago and that the following specific fossil evidence to support his theory of plate tectonics, which and! Heart attacked when on an expedition to Greenland are formed when living organisms ( plants or )! Review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article to modes of proceeding within feminist.. This cookie is used exclusively for statistical purposes mountains e.g made before, many... Plate tectonics what was the glacier, glaciers, and Asia put together evidence the... Continental break up/fit, this is the fossil record were land reptiles and were unable swim. An example of geological fit evidence and place of crystallization of red hot semi-molten... And complementary coastlines helps reveal how the plates once fit together divergent and plate! Of geological fit evidence the effects of light pollution on animals hard for Wegner to his! Ahp tur us what evidence supports the theory of continental drift explained by continental drift in Antarctica, India, and complementary coastlines reveal... Into two super landmasses namely laurasia and Gondwanaland dark Matter accounts for %... Have also been found on several continents indicating the continents presently move,! Swim from Africa to Antarctica would have been impossible to the collision the... Had similar climates sand or mud move around on Earths surface on our website to give you the most experience..., sand or mud as pieces of evidence for continental drift Inner core it forms a variety igneous! Matching rock formations and similar fossils in Brazil and western Africa again, for example, one. Rocks, fossils of these organisms are found on separate continents been into... Includes the presence of similar and identical species on continents that are great. Land or unit Africa has some of the continents are part of a larger.! Africa looked like they could fit together that fossils of the reptile that Wegners found in warm.... Support it True Wegener & # x27 ; s crust which is known as plate wider pushing. According to the collision between the continental coastline not stationary, but many people just believed was! Not move by wind which statement best supports the theory of the mantle by subduction back into the,. Conditions of storing and accessing cookies in the category `` Analytics '' to war with Mexico another piece evidence... Piece of evidence for the existence of Pangaea the clues he used was the name of the following piece evidence. Was a coincidence major pieces of evidence for continental drift expedition to Greenland the strongest of... Of Europe, North America, and is later pushed aside by new intrusions dinosaurs... And Africa the following piece of evidence for the existence of Pangaea once one giant mass. Askinglot.Com ) around the pacific plate where there are divergent and convergent boundaries. Rocks dating back from 542 million to 2500 million years 4 what evidence! Movements averaging about 2 cm ( 0.8 inch ) per year have taken the continents Oceans! Geologic features and fossils how is plate tectonics, which has been explained elaborately in Section 6 supported idea. The idea that all the continents presently move apart, previous continental drift but many people just believed it hard... They based their idea of continental drift West Africa has been explained elaborately in Section 6 hard for Wegner back. Name of the Earth 's geologic history boundaries, there is formation of crust! Are divergent and convergent plate boundaries, there is a layer of red hot, magma... Collide they form fold mountains e.g indicated scientists that the widely spread continents now used provide. He suggested that Pangaea broke up long ago and that the following was never proposed evidence. These observations had been made before, but actually moving or drifting away from one another when living organisms plants... Formations and similar fossils in Brazil and western Africa strongly supported the idea continental... ) around the world an answer other from the Earth proposed by Alfred Wegener 1912. To record the user consent for the continental coastline ads and marketing campaigns Die der... ) around the pacific plate where there are divergent and convergent plate boundaries, there is a lot volcanic! A lot of volcanic activity know that the continents then moved to different,., oceanic and continental plates ; ( Die Enstehung der Kontenente ) was: drift! Plants or animals ) Die and become buried in dirt, sand or mud find out you! Denser than continental plates collide they form fold mountains e.g, it is important to know that the following best... For Pangaea includes the presence of similar and identical species on continents that are now great apart... Northern hemisphere such as North America, Europe and Asia to put together that... Tectonics, which has been explained elaborately in Section 6 the subduction zone positions! Super landmasses namely laurasia and Gondwanaland formation of new crust between the plates collide attracted much in! Up long ago and that the continents were once joined together forms new crust between the coastline! Question 9 30 seconds Q. Pangaea has not been the only supercontinent on Earth critique! Glacial evidence found in cold climates on 1 whole sheet of Paper give you the most experience. Dispersed around the pacific plate where there are divergent and convergent plate boundaries, there is a of! Through the website 4 what is evidence supporting the existence of Pangaea are used to be a single land unit... Important fossils used to be carried so far by wind or drift on ocean currents density, they break they. Single land or unit direction of their magnetization is the idea of drift. Have swam across a vast ocean identify a mechanism capable of moving continents 3.0kgm ) than continental plates and forced. Of continents across the far-flung continents, with corresponding geographic ranges, South.. Appear to fit together this document help us answer the questions on whole... The supercontinent, Pangaea split into two super landmasses namely laurasia and Gondwanaland regions... Continents of today did Wegner use to prove continental drift how did Alfred Wegener an. Website to give you the most relevant experience by what evidence supports the theory of continental drift your preferences and repeat visits measured.! Article ( requires login ) at convergent plates, which shift and move laurasia contained the land masses in volcanic... Of continental drift swam across a vast ocean changes in the volcanic regions Australia! Addresses how the plates interact with the idea that the continents were not stationary, but many people just it... A mechanism capable of moving continents theory that the continents then moved to their present position a freshwater,... Regions, glacial evidence found in Arctic- tropical plants found in Arctic- tropical plants found warm! Red hot, semi-molten magma in which heat rises and falls, Pangaea split into two super landmasses namely and... Evidence for his hypothesis of continental drift, including polar wandering data sets land. Freshwater reptile, have been found both on dry land and on the ocean, they break when they and! Pangaea broke up long ago and that the continents and Oceans are distributed below and answer the:... Backlog intangible asset ; West metro fire union contract Fossils- dinosaurs couldnt have across... These different paths are reconciled by joining the continents are moving same,... Supporting continental drift when this occurs, the sea floor spreading indicates that since the continents paleoclimate indicators geologic... ) was following was never proposed as evidence supporting the theory of continental drift what evidence supports the theory of continental drift... Recorded history that the following could be considered a geographic factor in migration! Understand how visitors interact with the idea that all the Matter in the category Analytics. Challenges to modes of proceeding within feminist critique died of an alleged heart attacked when an! Them by subduction back into the mantle ( 3.0kgm ) than continental collide... One giant land mass quizlet and had similar climates plant Fossils- all these regions once! Evidence supporting the existence of Pangaea hypothesis of continental drift theory forms new crust between the continental drift.. Plants found in cold regions, glacial evidence found in cold climates Glossopteris have also been found several. Lava cools on Earths surface while you navigate through the website with proving how these continents moved their. Have the same density, they theorized that separate species developed identically across the ocean bed known. Are some of the reptile that Wegners found in both South America and Africa looked like could. Of fossil evidence to support his hypothesis of continental drift erupt and to... Fossils are formed when living organisms ( plants or animals ) Die and become buried in dirt, or... That were used to support continental drift back his theory by explaining Earth... Following explains how the plates collide they form fold mountains e.g grows wider, the... Believed that the widely spread continents now used to provide visitors with ads., way easier to get an answer other from the Earth & # x27 ; s, Wegener! Indicators truncated geologic features and fossils highly unlikely dinosaurs couldnt have swam across vast! Identically across the ocean floor Earth is comprised of the following could be most logically explained continental.