Mountain chains in Northern Europe and West Africa match the Appalachian Mountains in terms of their ages and the sequences of rock layers that make them up. In 3–5 sentences, analyze these observations and use supporting details to explain what conclusions can be drawn from them. (4 points)

The resemblance in age and rock layer sequences between mountain chains in Northern Europe and West Africa with the Appalachian Mountains suggests a geological connection likely rooted in the ancient supercontinent Pangaea. During the late Paleozoic era, these landmasses were part of a single unified structure, leading to the formation of similar geological features as they experienced similar tectonic processes. This alignment in geological history reinforces the concept of continental drift, indicating that continents were once joined together, and over time diverged, leaving behind mountain ranges that share a common origin. Thus, the similarities in these mountain chains serve as evidence of past continental configurations and the dynamic nature of Earth’s geology.