The theory of continental drift and evidence for it Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the theory of continental drift?
The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together.
Who proposed the theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener.
True or False: The continents are static and do not move.
False.
What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?
Fossil evidence, geological formations, and climatic evidence.
Fill in the blank: The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago is called ______.
Pangaea.
What type of rock formations did Wegener study to support his theory?
Matching mountain ranges on different continents.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following was NOT used as evidence for continental drift? A) Fossils B) Mountain ranges C) Weather patterns D) Ice sheets
C) Weather patterns.
How did fossil evidence support the theory of continental drift?
Similar fossils were found on continents that are now separated by oceans.
True or False: The theory of continental drift was widely accepted immediately after it was proposed.
False.
What was one major criticism of Wegener’s theory?
He could not explain the mechanism for how continents moved.
Fill in the blank: The concept of plate tectonics evolved from the theory of ______.
continental drift.
What are tectonic plates?
Large sections of the Earth’s crust that move and interact with each other.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following provides a mechanism for the movement of continents? A) Wind erosion B) Plate tectonics C) Ocean currents D) Climate change
B) Plate tectonics.
What is the significance of the Glossopteris plant in supporting continental drift?
Its fossils were found in multiple continents, suggesting they were once connected.
True or False: The theory of continental drift explains why earthquakes occur.
False.
What role did glacial deposits play in Wegener’s evidence?
They indicated that continents were once located in different climatic zones.
Fill in the blank: The movement of tectonic plates is driven by ______ forces.
convection.
What is the modern scientific consensus on continental drift?
It is part of the broader theory of plate tectonics.
Multiple Choice: Which boundary type is associated with plate movement away from each other? A) Convergent B) Transform C) Divergent D) None of the above
C) Divergent.
What is the evidence from matching coal deposits used to support?
That continents were once connected in warmer climates.
True or False: The shapes of continents provide evidence for continental drift.
True.
What is one way that ocean floor mapping contributed to the theory of continental drift?
It revealed mid-ocean ridges where new crust is formed.
Fill in the blank: The ______ hypothesis explains the movement of continents and ocean floors.
plate tectonics.
What does the term ‘Paleomagnetism’ refer to in the context of continental drift?
The study of the magnetic properties of rocks to determine past orientations of the Earth’s magnetic field.
