1) The Theory of Continental Drift states that the Earth's continents were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea, which broke apart and drifted to their current positions over millions of years. This theory was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century.
2) Based on the given information, it is not possible to identify a specific fossil from a picture.
3) However, fossils such as the remains of similar plants or animals found on different continents that are now separated by vast oceans are strong evidence for the Theory of Continental Drift. These fossils suggest that the continents were once connected, allowing for the migration of organisms between them. For example, the presence of the Mesosaurus, an extinct reptile, fossils in both South America and Africa supports the Theory of Continental Drift. Since Mesosaurus was a freshwater reptile that could not swim long distances in seawater, the existence of its fossils in different continents implies that these landmasses were once connected and that the reptile must have migrated between them when they were still joined.
Explain the Theory of Continental Drift (1 point)
2) Identify one fossil (from the picture below) that supports the Theory of Continental Drift (1 point)
3) Explain how/why that fossil supports the Theory of Continental Drift (1 point)
1 answer