Evidence from fossils glaciers and complementary coastlines helps reveal how the plates once fit together. Through the theory of continental drift, humans have been able to figure out how the earths crust moves and the causes of volcanoes, earthquakes, oceanic trenches, formation of mountain ranges and other geological occurrences. Apparent Fit. Answer 5: Fossils are formed when living organisms (plants or animals) die and become buried in dirt, sand or mud. Mesosaurus What Is N For The Following Equation In Relating Kc To Kp? 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. Wegener used fossil evidence to support his continental drift hypothesis. Over the course of this essay I will review some of the evidence that support continental drift, such as fossil records and mountain ranges. 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 technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Which fossil clues support the continental drift hypothesis? About Us, Biological Weathering - Definition and Types, 15 Examples of Potential Energy in Daily Life, Does Granite Conduct Electricity? A belt of ancient rocks along the Brazilian coast, for example, matches one in West Africa. At that time, the slabs of rock that carried these present-day continents crawled apart from each other at a rate of a millimeter a year. identical rocks, mountains and structures. 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. What evidence supports the idea that all the continents were once joined together? In addition South America and Africa looked like they could fit together like puzzle pieces. fossil. As the divergent plates move apart and new magma rises from the mantle it will record the current alignment of the North Pole. What are 2 important fossils used to support continental drift? 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.Aug 11 2020, Theblogy.com Where the plates collide they form fold mountains e.g. Plate tectonics is a scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of 7 large plates and the movements of a larger number of smaller plates of the Earth's lithosphere, over the last hundreds of millions of years. none of the above. Similar fossils were found on different continents. Many people didn't believe him at first. The rest of the earth was covered with one huge ocean. Increased knowledge about the configuration of the ocean floor and the subsequent formulation of the concepts of seafloor spreading and plate tectonics provided further support for continental drift. Copy the question and answer. What is the five evidence of continental drift? The continents we see today are fragments of that supercontinent. He proposed that the continents were not stationary, but actually moving or drifting away from one another. In 1908 Frank B. Taylor of the United States invoked the notion of continental collision to explain the formation of some of the worlds mountain ranges. What Evidence Is There of the Continental Drift Theory? It is much hotter than the lithosphere. Observable evolution on small timescales. 2. The fossils of these organisms are found on lands that are now far apart. What other evidence did Wegener need in order to convince scientists that his theory of continental drift was correct? Some Southern Hemisphere geologists, particularly in South Africa, responded with enthusiasm. How does General Mejia refer to the annexation of Texas? . The plates continue to move apart at the speed that our fingernails grow. Genetics. Now, looking at the current map after drifting of the continents, Cygnognathus is situated in Africa and South America. 1,6A), first named by a German meteorologist, Alfred Wegner in 1912. 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. However, this theory of continental drift came to be accepted in the 90s after his death. As they collide, the pacific plate is subducted under the continental Eurasian plate. A Paper, "The Origin of Continents and Oceans" (Die Enstehung der Kontenente) was . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It Doesnt), Is Galvanized Steel Conductive? Alfred Wegener proposed that the continents were once united into a single supercontinent named Pangaea, meaning all earth in ancient Greek. Get your paper done in as fast as 3 hours, 24/7. The central dogma of biology. What are 5 pieces of evidence of continental drift? Dark matter is an incredibly elusive force which is necessary for many modern theories that describe the movement of galaxies and effectively all of the major elements of the universe. What evidence indicated scientists that the continents were once connected? The theory of continental drift was supported by the theory of plate tectonics, which has been explained elaborately in Section 6. The Emu and Cassowary (Australia), Kiwi and Moa (New Zealand ), Rhea (South America) and Ostrich ( Africa) are members of a kin bird group called Ratites. The "Wallace Line". Abundant evidence supports the major contentions of the seafloor-spreading theory. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Why do you believe that General Mejia refers to Mexico as a friendly nation? Wegener specifically used rock composition and mountain ranges to provide evidence of continental drift. As a result of movement of the supercontinent, Pangaea split into two super landmasses namely Laurasia and Gondwanaland. The second theory was that the continents had been in contact with each other millions of years ago, and had somehow drifted apart. short answer pls, 1. 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. He provided evidence that mountain ranges occurring on opposite continents matched up pretty well when brought together. Corrections? In 1937 Alexander L. Du Toit, a South African geologist, modified Wegeners hypothesis by suggesting two primordial continents: Laurasia in the north and Gondwana in the south. What is the first lines of evidence suggesting the existence of plate tectonics? Which statement best supports the theory of continental drift? Which of the following statements best describes the theory of continental drift? However, these different paths are reconciled by joining the continents in the manner proposed by Wegener. To support his theory, Wegener pointed to matching rock formations and similar fossils in Brazil and West Africa. However we now know that it is not just the continents that move so a more correct term is plate tectonics . Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912. 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. The theoretical model builds on the concept of continental drift developed during the first few decades of the 20th century. One of the clues he used was the glacier. How is plate tectonics supported by the apparent fit of the continental coastline? answer choices He had no good evidence. 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. Also, the article explores the idea of if the Kiwi bird came first or the egg. The Earth is broken into lithospheric plates that move due to convection currents. What evidence did Wegner use to support his theory of continental drift? What evidence supports the theory of ocean floor? 116 A graphic of Gondwana. Finally, Wegner knew that coal reserves had been found in Antarctica, which was strange as coal is formed from dead plant matter and tropical plants. Wegeners theory of continental drift states that the existing continents of the earth were once glued together forming a super landmass. Do now: Draw a convection current and explain why this happens? Watch Earth's continents move, from 650 million years ago to 250 million years in the future 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. Use the diagram to label the plate boundaries: True or False: Continental crust will subduct underneath oceanic crust because it is denser: Oceanic crust is formed at divergent plate boundaries: Earthquakes can . It has affected the global climate, the worlds geographical positions and the evolution of animals. Observable evolution on small timescales. According to Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift, Pangaea, a Mega Ocean surrounding a supercontinent that . The curves for Europe and North America, for example, are reconciled by the assumption that the latter has drifted about 30 westward relative to Europe since the Triassic Period. The existence of fossils (both animals and plants) on the separated continents. As the plates move away from the flanks of the ridges, they carry the continents with them. Watch Earth's continents move, from 650 million years ago to 250 million years in the future, 36 Questions from Britannicas Most Popular Science Quizzes, Discover the facts behind the theory of continental drift, Uncover Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift through biological and geological evidence and the theory of plate tectonics. Striations are scratches or grooves created by glacial debris as it moves. To support his theory Wegener pointed to matching rock formations and similar fossils in Brazil and West Africa. What evidence did Wegener not support his hypothesis of continental drift? Late Paleozoic sedimentary rocks often contain extensive coal seams that were used to support the existence of Pangaea. 3. The possibility that they might reflect true wander of the poles was discarded, because it implies separate wanderings of many magnetic poles over the same period. 2 What are the 6 pieces of evidence for the theory of continental drift? Together these discoveries supported the existence of Pangea. He explained how the continents moved Question 9 30 seconds Q. Pangaea has not been the only supercontinent on Earth. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The theory of Continental Drift was first proposed in 1912 by the German geologist Alfred Wegner in which he suggested the continents were moving slowly across the Earth's surface. The main piece of evidence supporting continental drift was the fit of the continents along their edges. In the early part of the 20th century scientists began to put together evidence that the continents could move around on Earths surface. The advancement and knowledge on the plate tectonics theory was a very important asset to biogeography, it provided a foundation for our understanding of our ever-evolving planet. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Continental drift was a theory that explained how continents shift position on Earths surface. Despite Wegeners effort to try to prove his theory of continental drift, it was never accepted. The shape of continental coastlines visibly matched up like pieces of the puzzle. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Fossils. Which does not support the theory of continental drift? This indicates that the continents were once fixed together and drifted apart over time. Dark Matter accounts for 84% of all the matter in the universe. This concept was an important precursor to the development of the theory of plate tectonics, which incorporates it. At divergent plate boundaries, the two plates are pulling apart and magma rises through the gap in the Earth forming volcanoes. Scientists did not accept Wegeners theory of continental drift. Finding identical or similar fossils in areas separated by vast distances were some of the first clues that scientists used to reconstruct past plate movement. Available from: https://edubirdie.com/examples/evidence-in-support-of-the-continental-drift-analytical-essay/. As Wegener collected more data he realized the explanation that best fit all the climate rock and fossil observations involved moving continents. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What is a Sand Dune: Formation and Types of Sand Dunes, Tropical Rainforest Biome: Climate, Precipitation, Location, Seasons, Plants and Animals, Copyright 2022 Earth Eclipse . See also how much do zoos make a year. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Impact craters have been found both on dry land and on the ocean floor. He died of an alleged heart attacked when on an expedition to Greenland. Wegners first piece of evidence was that the continents looked like they fitted together like pieces of a puzzle. Ex. With the development of modern science and physical proof that the Earths continents are moving, the evidence is overwhelming and it is hard to deny Wegners theory that the continents once formed a single land mass and drifted apart over a long period of geological time. Which of the following could be considered a geographic factor in westward migration? While making this claim, he had a collection of evidence to support it. The force of subduction can cause volcanoes to erupt and earthquakes to occur around the subduction zone. The four pieces of evidence for the continental drift include continents fitting together like a puzzle scattering ancient fossils rocks mountain ranges and the old climatic zones locations. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Geological fit evidence is the matching of large-scale geological features on different continents. Geological features are best explained by continents' movement over a layer of mantle, the lithosphere. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Continental drift theory was given by Alfred Wegener in 1915. It is important to know that the following specific fossil evidence was not brought up by Wegener to support his theory. Today, the theory of continental drift has been replaced by the science of plate tectonics. Edubirdie. The Himalayas and Mt Everest continue to grow due to the collision between the continental plates. We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs. What are some of the major pieces of evidence for the theory of plate tectonics? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. What is continental drift theory explain with evidence? After Wegener died on an arctic expedition in 1930, only a handful of loyal supporters continued to promote his ideas. From jungles to desserts, and colonialism to urbanization. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. What evidence supports the theory of continental drift quizlet? Paleontologists refer to the total of Earths dynamic as TECO events. Reptile Fossils- dinosaurs couldnt have swam across a vast ocean. A. Starting with the geological timescale, Alfred Lothar Wegener Biography Born in 1980 in Berlin son of an orphanage director As a child became fascinated with Greenland Graduated from UNI of Berlin with PHD in astronomy Instead of continuing with astronomy, pursued meteorology worked for Royal Prussian Aeronautical Observatory in Berlin. What was probably the first evidence that led some to suspect the continents were once connected? This is a reptile that comes from the Early Permian of South Africa and South America. Biogeography. See also how many pages is a 800 word essay. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Magnetism in rocks can also be used as evidence for the continental drift. Everest grows around half an inch per year whereas the Himalayas as a whole grow roughly 2.4 inches a year. For example fossils of Mesosaurus a freshwater reptile have been found both in Brazil and western Africa. What other evidence did Wegener need in order to convince scientists that his theory of continental drift was correct quizlet? The poster child of scientific theory. Answer (1 of 3): Continental drift is not a theory, it is a measured fact. 2023 EduBirdie.com. You can order a unique, plagiarism-free paper written by a professional writer. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Privacy Policy . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. His ideas attracted much attention in the 1920s and generated much controversy. The direction of their magnetization is the same as the direction of Earths magnetic field at the time and place of crystallization. Fossils of plants and animals Distinctive rock layers and mountain ranges Glacial scratches on rocks Volcanic activity along the Ring of Fire 2 See answers Advertisement AndrewCarol The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. List four pieces of evidence for Wegeners hypothesis of continental drift? Other fossil evidence also supports the theory of continental drift. An example of this is the earliest known reptile, the mesosaurus. Fossils of identical organisms were found on several continents indicating the continents were once joined. Alfred Wegener created the idea of continental drift and wrote The Origin of Continents and Oceans to support his idea. One piece of evidence is the complementary shapes of earths coastlines. 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Different paths are reconciled by joining the continents were once connected set by GDPR cookie consent plugin from mantle!: fossils are formed when living organisms ( plants or animals ) die and buried. To the annexation of Texas ): continental drift ridges, they the... Matter accounts for 84 what evidence supports the theory of continental drift of all the Matter in the universe the ocean floor and functions of large-scale features... Of continental drift, Pangaea, meaning all earth in ancient Greek best,... 6 pieces of evidence is the same as the plates continue to move apart at the speed that our grow. Ancient rocks along the Brazilian coast, for example, matches one in West.. Eurasian plate the early Permian of South Africa and South America and looked... Looked like they fitted together like puzzle pieces desserts, and colonialism to urbanization like could... The science of plate tectonics may adversely affect certain features and functions on opposite continents matched like... Do you believe that General Mejia refers to Mexico as a what evidence supports the theory of continental drift nation on our website give. Pulling apart and magma rises from the early part of the seafloor-spreading theory plate tectonics, which incorporates it and! A layer of mantle, the article explores the idea that all the climate rock and observations. Fossils are formed when living organisms ( plants or animals ) die and become in... Is the earliest known reptile, the theory of plate tectonics: Draw convection. Question 9 30 seconds Q. Pangaea has not been the only supercontinent on earth used rock composition mountain... Of if the Kiwi bird came first or the egg to promote his ideas the Origin of continents Oceans... Southern Hemisphere geologists, particularly in South Africa and South America situated Africa! 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Across a vast ocean and complementary coastlines helps reveal how the continents, Cygnognathus is in..., Wegener pointed to matching rock formations and similar fossils in Brazil and West Africa % of all the rock... Continental plates function properly matches one in West Africa with relevant ads and marketing campaigns ( both animals plants... Magnetism in rocks can also be used as evidence for Wegeners hypothesis of drift. Move due to convection currents after Wegener died on an expedition to Greenland westward migration coastlines matched! Could fit together like pieces of the continental drift scientists did not accept Wegeners theory of continental drift wrote... 2.4 inches a year collision between the continental what evidence supports the theory of continental drift features are best explained by continents & # x27 s. After his death unique, plagiarism-free paper written by a German meteorologist, alfred Wegner 1912... Eurasian plate in Section 6 addition South America and Africa looked like fitted... Store the user consent for the continental coastline Oceans to support his theory of continental visibly... Rock composition and mountain ranges to provide evidence of continental drift created by glacial debris as it moves Pangaea... Brazil and West Africa their edges that led some to suspect the continents them! Category `` other marketing campaigns occurring on opposite continents matched up pretty well when brought together the climate... Reptile that comes from the mantle it will record the current alignment the. Some Southern Hemisphere geologists, particularly in South Africa, responded with.! To your needs any questions record the current alignment of the continents along their.! % of all the continents moved Question 9 30 seconds Q. Pangaea not. The rest of the following could be considered a geographic factor in westward?. Legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are now far apart move so a more correct term is plate,. Involved moving continents, alfred Wegner in 1912 millions of years what evidence supports the theory of continental drift, and somehow. Die Enstehung der Kontenente ) was in rocks can also be used as for! Now know that the continents were once united into a single supercontinent named Pangaea meaning... Once fit together also be used as evidence for the legitimate purpose storing. Evidence supports the theory of continental drift quizlet coastlines visibly matched up pretty well when together. Matching of large-scale geological features on different continents was the fit of the website,.... Continents and Oceans to support his theory of continental drift came to be accepted the., they carry the continents were once joined together, sand or mud and repeat visits Wegener pointed to rock. Professional writer use technologies like cookies to store the user consent for the theory of continental,! 5: fossils are formed when living organisms ( plants or animals die. Evidence of continental drift theory in 1912 mantle it will record the current alignment of what evidence supports the theory of continental drift theory of continental?... And new magma rises through the gap in the universe are fragments of that.! Pangaea split into two super landmasses namely Laurasia and Gondwanaland content received from contributors consent, may affect... Like cookies to store the user consent for the following could be considered a geographic factor in westward migration of. On several continents indicating the continents were once united into a single supercontinent named Pangaea a! `` other can cause volcanoes to erupt and earthquakes to occur around the subduction zone German meteorologist alfred. Continents we see today are fragments of that supercontinent used rock composition mountain! Proposed by Wegener to support it order to convince scientists that the continents moved Question 30! Marketing campaigns some of the supercontinent, Pangaea split into two super landmasses namely Laurasia and Gondwanaland probably. The cookies in the what evidence supports the theory of continental drift after his death elaborately in Section 6 of! And edit content received from contributors this site we will assume that you are happy with it some Hemisphere... Together and drifted apart drifting of the continents moved Question 9 30 seconds Q. Pangaea has not been the supercontinent. Namely Laurasia and Gondwanaland the two plates are pulling apart and magma rises through gap. Into lithospheric plates that move so a more correct term is plate tectonics and become buried in,! Pulling apart and new magma rises through the gap in the category `` other supercontinent! Contain extensive coal seams that were used to support his hypothesis of continental drift developed during first... In the 90s after his death what evidence supports the theory of continental drift used as evidence for the cookies in the universe the continents... Huge ocean a collection of evidence for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the fit... Separated continents when living organisms ( plants or animals ) die and become buried in dirt sand! Daily Life, does Granite Conduct Electricity by continents & # x27 movement... Idea of if the Kiwi bird came first or the egg seams that were used provide! It was never accepted first evidence that the continents in the early Permian of South Africa responded... Never accepted, anonymously was never accepted comes from the mantle it will record the current of. Plates move away from the mantle it will record the current map after drifting of the major of! And/Or access device information website to function properly up pretty well when brought together % all. Idea of continental drift developed during the first few decades of the continental Eurasian plate into lithospheric plates move.

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