Alfred Wegener suggested that earth’s continents are moving. Which evidence supports this theory?

Question

A. similarities in human fossils

B. revolution of the Earth

C. different types of rocks on opposite coasts

D. close geometric correspondence of continental coastlines

Answer 1

The best evidence supporting Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift is:

D. close geometric correspondence of continental coastlines.

Wegener observed that the shapes of the continents, particularly the coastlines of South America and Africa, fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. This observation led him to propose that the continents were once joined together in a single landmass (Pangaea) and have since drifted apart.

Answer 2

What occurs when the earth’s plates slide past each other?

A. an earthquake

B. a volcano

C. an ocean trench

D. a river

Answer 3

When the Earth's plates slide past each other, it typically results in:

A. an earthquake.

This occurs along transform boundaries, where two tectonic plates move horizontally past one another. The friction between the plates can lead to stress buildup, which is released as seismic energy, causing an earthquake.

Answer 4

Wegener was intrigued when the same Mesosaurus fossils, an ancient freshwater reptile, showed up on different continents.
What hypothesis did he propose to explain this?

A. The continents were at one time joined together.

B. The fossils were moved by humans.

C. The fossils must be of different species.

D. The Mesosaurus swam between the two continents.