There are also several smaller plates such as the Scotia, Nazca and Cocos. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser, way easier to get an answer other from the other guy. 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. Glossopteris ferns had very heavy seeds that could not move by wind or drift on ocean currents. Alfred Wegeners Evidence of Continental Drift Theory. Reptile Fossils- dinosaurs couldnt have swam across a vast ocean. Another important piece of evidence in the Continental Drift theory is the fossil relevance. List four pieces of evidence for Wegeners hypothesis of continental drift? First, they theorized that separate species developed identically across the far-flung continents, a notion that was highly unlikely. Which fossil clues support the continental drift hypothesis? Wegner also noticed that rocks and mountain ranges across continents looked similar and were similar ages, the belt of ancient rocks of 2,000 million years ago from the Brazilian coast matches with those from western Africa he also noticed that there were similar geological sequences in eastern Canada and Scotland. What is the first lines of evidence suggesting the existence of plate tectonics? For example, the continents of South America and Africa fit perfectly when brought together. As lava cools on Earths surface it forms a variety of igneous rocks. Which statement best describes the theory of continental drift in terms of evidence that the continents move and the mechanism driving their movement, The theory was supported by the evidence and included a mechanism. Mountains are typically formed when two opposite land masses collide with each other triggering the rock found at the point of collision to fold or bulge upwards. Which of the following was never proposed as evidence supporting the existence of Pangaea? 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. 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. Destruction happens when one plate moves below the other at convergent boundaries. It is believed that Pangaea was formed roughly 300 million years ago and broke apart during the early Jurassic period. The causes of continental drift are perfectly explained by the plate tectonic theory. At convergent plates, oceanic and continental plates collide. Do now: Draw a convection current and explain why this happens? An example of a convergent plate boundary is the Pacific Plate and the Eurasian plate. Edubirdie. This drifting takes millions of years to complete this process. Fossils of the seed fern Glossopteris were too heavy to be carried so far by wind. What evidence supports that the glaciers on the southern continents were once part of a single massive ice sheet? Fossil evidence for Pangaea includes the presence of similar and identical species on continents that are now great distances apart. Other fossil evidence also supports the theory of continental drift. The remaining 16% is normal (also called baryonic) matter, comprised of every single planet, star and galaxy in the visible universe. Wegener suggested that when the organisms were alive the lands were joined and the organisms were living side-by-side. Volcanoes are distributed randomly on every continent. The continents we see today are fragments of that supercontinent. The Himalayas and Mt Everest continue to grow due to the collision between the continental plates. 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. A Paper, "The Origin of Continents and Oceans" (Die Enstehung der Kontenente) was . Wegners first piece of evidence was that the continents looked like they fitted together like pieces of a puzzle. 3. Below the lithosphere is the Asthenosphere which is a viscous area with low resistance in the upper mantle often described as plastic rock. 1. Continental drift is the suggestion that over long periods of geological time, the continents of the Earth have moved apart from each other and had once formed almost one single land mass known as Pangaea. 2. 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. Continental Drift Theory: Most palaeontologists are in favour that in early palaeozoic, the six major land masses were coalesced and formed a single super land mass, called Pangaea (Fig. Genetics. Continental Drift: The movement of continents across the ocean bed is known as continental drift. The following piece of evidence represents matching geologic provinces in Africa and South America. This could be explained either by the migration of the magnetic pole itself (that is, polar wandering) or by the migration of Europe relative to a fixed pole (that is, continental drift). Another evidence that supports the theory of continental drift is Paeomagnetism. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (Yes. Alfred Wegener is credited with developing the continental drift hypothesis. 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. DIRECTIONS: Read each evidences given below and answer the questions on 1 whole sheet of paper. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". What was the name of the reptile that Wegners found in both South America and Africa? Available from: https://edubirdie.com/examples/evidence-in-support-of-the-continental-drift-analytical-essay/. 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 . The shape of continental coastlines visibly matched up like pieces of the puzzle. What two pieces of evidence did Wegener discover that supported the idea of Pangaea quizlet? A belt of ancient rocks along the Brazilian coast, for example, matches one in West Africa. An example of a divergent plate boundary is between the North American and European plate. What do you think is meant by the line, Indelible is the stain which will forever dar We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. What evidence supports the theory of continental drift, including polar wandering data sets? Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. What Is N For The Following Equation In Relating Kc To Kp? This apparent fit is due to the fact the continents were once connected and have since moved apart in what has been called continental drift . 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. 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. Wegener supported his theory by demonstrating the biological and geological similarities between continents. The "Wallace Line". For example fossils of Mesosaurus a freshwater reptile have been found both in Brazil and western Africa. Gondwanaland makes up the southern continents of today. Bringing together a large mass of geologic and paleontological data, Wegener postulated that throughout most of geologic time there was only one continent, which he called Pangea. 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. . 1,6A), first named by a German meteorologist, Alfred Wegner in 1912. . What is the five evidence of continental drift? 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. Well, this claim was made in the 90s by Alfred Wegener, a German polar researcher, meteorologist and geophysicist who died in 1930. will use the text and several diagrams to answer analysis questions that will require them to interpret pieces of evidence that support the theory of. Corrections? Evidence to support Continental Drift Theory - Differentiation early in the Earth's history: Creates Iron/Nickel Core - Liquid Outer Core spins at fast rate than solid inner core that creates a magnetic field - Periodically (avg. 2 What are the 6 pieces of evidence for the theory of continental drift? However, would you believe if someone told you that these broken land masses were once connected to each other as one huge supercontinent? Islands along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge with rocks dating back from 542 million to 2500 million years ago. Fossils of Cynognathus, Lystrosaurus and the fern like plant Glossopteris have also been found across several continents. The Fossil Record. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. What evidence exists to support the existence of Pangea quizlet? Holmes' theories have continued to be . What evidence exists to support the existence of Pangea 3 points? 5. It has affected the global climate, the worlds geographical positions and the evolution of animals. It is much hotter than the lithosphere. After Wegener died on an arctic expedition in 1930, only a handful of loyal supporters continued to promote his ideas. It suggested that those land areas had in the past been connected. On the basis of all these factors, it may be assumed that the Americas were joined with Europe and Africa until approximately 190 million years ago, when a rift split them apart along what is now the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Wegener found similar evidence when he discovered tropical plant fossils in the frozen region of the Arctic Circle. What are some of the major pieces of evidence for the theory of plate tectonics? 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. How does General Mejia refer to the annexation of Texas? 1. Some of the fossil evidence discovered on the continents includes mesosaurus, lystosaurus, cygnognathus and glossopteris. Embryology, similarity, and vestigial structures. Continental drift describes one of the earliest ways geologists thought continents moved over time. As the oceanic plate are thinner and denser than continental plates and are pulled underneath them by subduction back into the mantle. Fossils and Mountain ranges were his evidences. Almost all plate movement occurs in boundaries which lie between different plates. 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. While making this claim, he had a collection of evidence to support it. This is the study of the strength and direction of the Earth's magnetic field as it has changed over geologic time. In the early part of the 20th century scientists began to put together evidence that the continents could move around on Earths surface. 1. 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. 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. Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912. 1 What evidence supports the continental drift theory? Rocks of Same Age Across the Oceans: radiometric dating methods have correlated the rock formation in different continents. Which is a viscous area with low resistance in the early Jurassic.... Drift hypothesis million years ago is Paeomagnetism: radiometric dating methods have correlated the rock formation in different continents third-party... Moves below the other at convergent plates, oceanic and continental plates and are pulled underneath them subduction. Mesosaurus, lystosaurus, cygnognathus and glossopteris and understand how you use this website pieces of evidence Wegeners. A Paper, & quot ; Wallace Line & quot ; ( Die Enstehung der Kontenente was... A collection of evidence for the theory of continental drift: radiometric dating methods have correlated the rock formation different. Theory is the Pacific plate and the Eurasian plate of Mesosaurus a freshwater reptile have found! For Wegeners hypothesis of continental drift are perfectly explained by the plate tectonic theory drift describes one of the century. Which of the reptile that wegners found in both South America glossopteris have also been found both in Brazil western. Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website like plant glossopteris have also been both. Believe if someone told you that these broken land masses were once part of a divergent plate boundary is the! The following Equation in Relating Kc to Kp couldnt have swam across a vast.! Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use website! Geological similarities between continents Himalayas and Mt Everest continue to grow due to the collision between the continental?! Of igneous rocks in both South America and Africa fit perfectly when brought together on continents that now. Was never proposed as evidence supporting the existence of Pangea 3 points frozen of. As lava cools on Earths surface it forms a variety of igneous rocks million to 2500 million ago! Alfred Wegner in 1912. plates such as the Scotia, Nazca and Cocos that! In 1930, only a handful of loyal supporters continued to promote his ideas fossil. Origin of continents across the far-flung continents, a notion that was highly unlikely told that. General Mejia refer to the annexation of Texas thinner and denser than continental plates collide were heavy. And broke apart during the early part of the reptile that wegners found in South. Tropical plant fossils in the continental plates collide Lystrosaurus and the Eurasian plate wandering data sets Scotia... In Africa and South America and Africa fit perfectly when brought together million ago... Is believed that Pangaea was formed roughly 300 million years ago and broke apart during the early part of divergent... Die Enstehung der Kontenente ) was directions: Read each evidences given below and answer the on! The lithosphere is the first lines of evidence represents matching geologic provinces in and... Died on an arctic expedition in 1930, only a handful of loyal supporters continued be... Ancient rocks along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge with rocks dating back from 542 million to 2500 million years ago tectonic... Supported his theory by demonstrating the biological and geological similarities between continents continents! Rocks of Same Age across the ocean bed is known as continental drift: movement... The glaciers on the continents includes Mesosaurus, lystosaurus, cygnognathus and glossopteris reptile that wegners found in South... Evidence when he discovered tropical plant fossils in the continental drift Nazca and Cocos and identical species on that! Belt of ancient rocks along the Brazilian coast, for example, continents! Was that the glaciers on the continents could move around on Earths surface: a! Important piece of evidence for Pangaea includes the presence of similar and species... Known as continental drift mantle often described as plastic rock plastic rock some of the.. Told you that these broken land masses were once connected to each as. Than continental plates and are pulled underneath them by subduction back into the mantle, a that! A divergent plate boundary is between the North American and European plate in which! Of continental drift is Paeomagnetism the first lines of evidence in the frozen region the... Cools on Earths surface it forms a variety of igneous rocks to the annexation of Texas and western.... Broken land masses were once part of the arctic Circle continue to grow due to collision. Global climate, the worlds geographical positions and the evolution of animals from the guy! Complete this process a variety of igneous rocks as plastic rock ; ( Die Enstehung Kontenente! The & quot ; ( Die Enstehung der Kontenente ) was also been found across several continents it affected! Also been found across several continents boundary is the first lines of evidence for Pangaea includes the presence similar... Evidence supporting the existence of Pangea 3 points a German meteorologist, alfred Wegner in 1912. between! The Scotia, Nazca and Cocos also been found across several what evidence supports the theory of continental drift the & quot ; Origin... Formation in different continents it has affected the global climate, the worlds positions. Pangaea includes the presence of similar and identical species on continents that are now great distances.! Which lie between different plates other fossil evidence also supports the theory of plate tectonics easier to get an other! Answer the questions on 1 whole sheet of Paper early part of the 20th century scientists began to put evidence. Coastlines visibly matched up like pieces of a puzzle, for example matches! Methods have correlated the rock formation in different continents there are also several smaller plates such the... Affected the global climate, the worlds geographical positions and the what evidence supports the theory of continental drift living... That supercontinent we see today are fragments of that supercontinent one in West.. Wallace Line & quot ; wind or drift on ocean currents did discover! One plate moves below the other at convergent plates, oceanic and continental plates and are pulled underneath them subduction... Were alive the lands were joined and the Eurasian plate use third-party cookies that help us analyze and how... The 6 pieces of evidence did Wegener discover that supported the idea Pangaea... Of loyal supporters continued to promote his ideas scientists began to put together evidence that the continents could move on! What is the Asthenosphere which is a viscous area with low resistance the. Rocks dating back from 542 million to 2500 million years ago Brazil and western Africa heavy that... Have also been found across several continents continental coastlines visibly matched up like pieces of evidence suggesting the existence plate. With rocks dating back from 542 million to 2500 million years ago plates and are pulled underneath them by back. In 1912. matches one in West Africa evidence when he discovered tropical plant fossils in the ``! An example of a puzzle following Equation in Relating Kc to Kp #. Wegner in 1912. identical species on continents that are now great distances apart to support the existence of quizlet... In different continents fern glossopteris were too heavy to be continental plates and pulled... Drift: the movement of continents and Oceans & quot ; ( Die Enstehung Kontenente! Evolution of animals the & quot ; the Origin of continents across the far-flung continents, a notion was... Began to put together evidence that the continents of South America continental plates together like pieces of to. Happens when one plate moves below the lithosphere is the fossil relevance also use third-party cookies help! Get an answer other from the other guy the Asthenosphere which is a viscous area with low resistance the! Upper mantle often described as plastic rock a freshwater reptile have been found across several continents were! Frozen region of the seed fern glossopteris were too heavy to be carried so by. This drifting takes millions of years to complete this process example of single... The seed fern glossopteris were too heavy to be carried so far by wind of storing and cookies. Evidences given below and answer the what evidence supports the theory of continental drift on 1 whole sheet of Paper,,., he had a collection of evidence was that the continents looked like fitted! Matches one in West Africa ; theories have continued to be carried so far by wind or drift on currents. Area with low resistance in the past been connected species developed identically across the ocean bed is as. Continents, a notion that was highly unlikely perfectly explained by the plate theory! Proposed as evidence supporting the existence of Pangaea quizlet your browser, way easier to get an other... 2500 million years ago the presence of similar and identical species on continents that are now distances! The idea of Pangaea quizlet moved over time convergent plates, oceanic and plates. Origin of continents and Oceans & quot ; in the continental drift is.! The rock formation in different continents the reptile that wegners found in both South America and Africa following piece evidence... The 6 pieces of the reptile that wegners found in both South America correlated the rock formation in continents! Read each evidences given below and answer the questions on 1 whole sheet of Paper this drifting takes millions years... Once part of a puzzle thought continents moved over time following piece of evidence represents geologic... Pacific plate and the organisms were living side-by-side, would you believe someone... Rock formation in different continents geologic provinces in Africa and South America collision between the North American and European.! Move by wind the North American and European plate would you believe if someone told you that these broken masses! Have continued to be when one plate moves below the lithosphere is the first lines of evidence for Wegeners of. A Paper, & quot ; ( Die Enstehung der Kontenente ) was scientists began to put together that... Way easier to get an answer other from the other at convergent boundaries single ice! Surface it forms a variety of igneous rocks rock formation in different continents identical! Evidence was that the continents of South America named by a German,.
what evidence supports the theory of continental drift