What was unknown to scientists during Wegener’s time?

Question

Fossils were found in many places.
Mountain ranges of some continents lined up.
Earth’s crust is made of plates that move.
The coasts of some continents fit together.

Which continents have coastlines and mountain ranges that match up?
Asia and Antarctica
Africa and South America
North America and South America
Africa and North America

3. What was unknown to scientists during Wegener’s time?
Fossils were found in many places
Mountain ranges of some continents lined up
Earth’s crust is made of plates that move
The coasts of some continents fit together.
4. What is the name of a supercontinent that was once made up of all of Earth’s current continents?
Gondwana
Pangaea
Eurasia
Laurasia

Answer 1

1. What was unknown to scientists during Wegener’s time?

   • Earth’s crust is made of plates that move.
     This concept of plate tectonics was not established until later, well after Wegener proposed his theory of continental drift.

2. Which continents have coastlines and mountain ranges that match up?

   • Africa and South America
     These two continents are known for their matching coastlines and geological features, supporting the idea of continental drift.

3. What is the name of a supercontinent that was once made up of all of Earth’s current continents?

   • Pangaea
     Pangaea is the name given to the supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, which included most of the Earth's landmasses.