The fossil remains of Mesosaurus showed that(1 point)

plate tectonics is a valid earth science theory.
plate tectonics is a valid earth science theory.

plants lived in different climates long ago in Africa and South America.
plants lived in different climates long ago in Africa and South America.

South America and Africa might have been joined in the past.
South America and Africa might have been joined in the past.

the Mesosaurus is now extinct..

11 answers

The fossil remains of Mesosaurus showed that South America and Africa might have been joined in the past. This is because Mesosaurus was a freshwater reptile found in both South America and Africa, indicating that the two continents were once connected, supporting the theory of continental drift and plate tectonics.

Which element in lava is responsible for preserving the direction of the magnetic fields?(1 point)
Responses

silicon
silicon

iron
iron

copper
copper

carbon

The element in lava that is responsible for preserving the direction of the magnetic fields is iron. When lava cools, the iron-bearing minerals align with the Earth's magnetic field, locking in that direction in the rock.

How does the distribution of the world's major coal reserves support the theory of plate tectonics?(1 point)
Responses

Before the formation of Pangaea, the regions where coal developed were on arid plateaus in temperate regions.
Before the formation of Pangaea, the regions where coal developed were on arid plateaus in temperate regions.

Around 65 million years ago, the regions where coal formed were near the south pole where coal would likely have formed.
Around 65 million years ago, the regions where coal formed were near the south pole where coal would likely have formed.

Around the time that the continents were together as Pangaea, the regions where coal developed were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.
Around the time that the continents were together as Pangaea, the regions where coal developed were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.

Around 300 million years ago, the regions where coal formed were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts.

The correct response is: Around 300 million years ago, the regions where coal formed were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts.

This supports the theory of plate tectonics because coal deposits found in places like Canada, Europe, and other areas today were formed in lush, tropical environments when those landmasses were once connected as part of Pangaea, indicating that the continents have since drifted apart.

Which of the following provide evidence of Gondwana? Select the three correct answers.(2 points)
Responses

Vast deposits of coal formed in regions with ancient deserts.
Vast deposits of coal formed in regions with ancient deserts.

Icy glaciers covered South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia over the North Pole.
Icy glaciers covered South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia over the North Pole.

Fossils of marsupials were originally the same across South America and Australia.
Fossils of marsupials were originally the same across South America and Australia.

Cratons match across the edges of continents.
Cratons match across the edges of continents.

Matching mountain chains occur across Africa and Antarctica.
Matching mountain chains occur across Africa and Antarctica.

Glacial deposits and scratches in the bedrock from an ice sheet match in distant regions.

The three correct answers that provide evidence of Gondwana are:

  1. Fossils of marsupials were originally the same across South America and Australia.
  2. Cratons match across the edges of continents.
  3. Glacial deposits and scratches in the bedrock from an ice sheet match in distant regions.

These pieces of evidence indicate that these landmasses were once connected and part of the supercontinent Gondwana.

Where would you be most likely to find the oldest rocks on Earth?(1 point)
Responses

at the outer edges of oceanic crust
at the outer edges of oceanic crust

in the middle of the oceans
in the middle of the oceans

in the middle of the highest mountains
in the middle of the highest mountains

in the middle of the continents

You would be most likely to find the oldest rocks on Earth in the middle of the continents. This is because ancient continental crust, which typically includes some of the oldest rock formations, has been more stable and less affected by processes like subduction and oceanic spreading compared to the oceanic crust.

Geologist discovered fossils of identical spider mites from the same time period but on opposite sides of the ocean from each other. What conclusion is supported by the discovery of these fossils?(1 point)
Responses

The locations of the fossils were once vast swamp lands.
The locations of the fossils were once vast swamp lands.

The climate was much cooler during the time that the mites lived.
The climate was much cooler during the time that the mites lived.

The mites were extraordinary swimmers.
The mites were extraordinary swimmers.

The locations of the fossils were once much closer to each other.

The conclusion supported by the discovery of these fossils is that the locations of the fossils were once much closer to each other. This finding suggests that the continents were connected at some point in the past, allowing for the distribution of similar species across what are now separated landmasses.