The evidence of climate change on continents that supports the theory of continental drift primarily includes:
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Signs that glaciers existed in South Africa: Glacial deposits and striations found in regions that are currently warm, such as South Africa, suggest that these areas were once located near the poles and covered by ice. This supports the idea that continents have moved over geological time.
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Similar coal fields on different continents: The presence of coal deposits, which form in warm, swampy conditions, in places that are now separated by large oceans (such as coal fields in North America and Europe) indicates that these continents were once positioned near the equator and connected, supporting the concept of continental drift.
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Same animal fossils found on different continents: Discoveries of identical fossils, such as those of the Mesosaurus or the Glossopteris plant, on continents that are now widely separated (like South America and Africa) provide compelling evidence for continental drift. These organisms could not have crossed oceans, implying that the continents were once joined.
The evidence concerning change in atmospheric temperature over time is more related to the understanding of climate change itself rather than specifically supporting continental drift.
In summary, the signs of past glaciations, similar coal fields, and identical fossils across continents provide strong evidence supporting the theory of continental drift.
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