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Fossil distribution provides compelling evidence for the theory of continental drift by showing that identical species of plants and animals have been found on widely separated continents, such as South America and Africa. For instance, the discovery of the Mesosaurus, a freshwater reptile, in both South America and Africa suggests these continents were once connected, allowing the species to inhabit both regions. This pattern of fossil distribution indicates that continents have moved over geological time, supporting the idea that they were once part of a larger landmass before drifting apart.

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How do fossil distribution support the theory of continental drift?

Fossil distribution supports the theory of continental drift by showing similar fossil species found on continents that are now separated by vast oceans. This suggests that the continents were once connected and have since drifted apart. The distribution of fossils across continents provides evidence for the movement of landmasses over time.


What are two things that support the continental drift theory?

Two things that supports the continental drift theory are; 1. Fossil. 2. Continent Shapes.


Identify how fossil evidence supports plate tectonics and continental drift?

Fossil evidence supports plate tectonics and continental drift by showing that identical species of plants and animals, such as the Mesosaurus and Glossopteris, are found on continents that are now widely separated, like South America and Africa. This distribution suggests these continents were once connected, allowing species to inhabit a continuous landmass. Additionally, the presence of similar fossils across different continents indicates that they were once part of a single supercontinent, lending credence to the theory of continental drift. Overall, fossil evidence provides a historical record of how landmasses have shifted over geological time.


What fossil occurs on the most landmasses?

The fossil of the Glossopteris, a prehistoric plant, occurs on the most landmasses. Its remains have been found in South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and India, providing significant evidence for the theory of continental drift. The widespread distribution of Glossopteris fossils supports the idea that these continents were once connected as part of the supercontinent Gondwana.


Does the theory of continental drift explain all the phenomena you see with the earths crust Explain with examples?

The theory of continental drift explains many phenomena related to the movement of Earth's crust, particularly the distribution of continents, the formation of mountain ranges, and the occurrence of earthquakes. For example, the alignment of fossil records and geological features across continents supports the idea of their prior connection. However, it does not account for all phenomena, such as volcanic activity, which is better explained by plate tectonics and the movement of tectonic plates, including both divergent and convergent boundaries. Thus, while continental drift is a foundational concept, it is part of a broader understanding of Earth's dynamic processes.

Related Questions

How do fossil distribution support the theory of continental drift?

Fossil distribution supports the theory of continental drift by showing similar fossil species found on continents that are now separated by vast oceans. This suggests that the continents were once connected and have since drifted apart. The distribution of fossils across continents provides evidence for the movement of landmasses over time.


What are two things that support the continental drift theory?

Two things that supports the continental drift theory are; 1. Fossil. 2. Continent Shapes.


What could explain this distribution of mesosaurus fossils?

Old answer: the scientists found them in the 2 regions andMesosaurus was significant in providing evidence for the theory of continental drift, because its remains were found in southern Africa and eastern South America, two far away places. As Mesosaurus was a small freshwater organism, and therefore could not have crossed the Atlantic Ocean, this distribution indicated that Africa and South America used to be joined together. Indeed, all the world's continents were joined into one supercontinent called Pangaea in the time Mesosaurus existed.


Identify how fossil evidence supports plate tectonics and continental drift?

Fossil evidence supports plate tectonics and continental drift by showing that identical species of plants and animals, such as the Mesosaurus and Glossopteris, are found on continents that are now widely separated, like South America and Africa. This distribution suggests these continents were once connected, allowing species to inhabit a continuous landmass. Additionally, the presence of similar fossils across different continents indicates that they were once part of a single supercontinent, lending credence to the theory of continental drift. Overall, fossil evidence provides a historical record of how landmasses have shifted over geological time.


How does fossil disribution support the theory of continental drift?

Fossil distribution supports the theory of continental drift by showing similar species of plants and animals that lived on different continents that are now separated by oceans. This suggests that these continents were once joined together and over time drifted apart to their current positions. The presence of identical fossils on continents that are now separated is evidence that they were once part of the same landmass.


What paleoclimatic evidence supports continental drift?

Paleoclimatic evidence supporting continental drift includes the matching of certain rock formations, geological structures, and fossil distribution on continents now separated by vast oceans. For example, the presence of glacial deposits and coal seams that match across continents provides evidence that these landmasses were once connected. Additionally, the alignment of ancient climatic belts and the distribution of certain plant and animal species further support the theory of continental drift.


What fossil occurs on the most landmasses?

The fossil of the Glossopteris, a prehistoric plant, occurs on the most landmasses. Its remains have been found in South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and India, providing significant evidence for the theory of continental drift. The widespread distribution of Glossopteris fossils supports the idea that these continents were once connected as part of the supercontinent Gondwana.


Does the theory of continental drift explain all the phenomena you see with the earths crust Explain with examples?

The theory of continental drift explains many phenomena related to the movement of Earth's crust, particularly the distribution of continents, the formation of mountain ranges, and the occurrence of earthquakes. For example, the alignment of fossil records and geological features across continents supports the idea of their prior connection. However, it does not account for all phenomena, such as volcanic activity, which is better explained by plate tectonics and the movement of tectonic plates, including both divergent and convergent boundaries. Thus, while continental drift is a foundational concept, it is part of a broader understanding of Earth's dynamic processes.


How fossil distribution supports the Theory of Continentals?

its when you have dinosaurs on the west side of Africa and fossils of dino's on the east side of south america.... yepp thats how it is.


Why is cynognathus a good candidate for providing evidence for the continental drift theory?

Cynognathus is a good candidate for providing evidence for the continental drift theory because its fossil has been found in both South America and Africa, which were once connected in the supercontinent Gondwana. This distribution pattern supports the idea of continental drift, as it suggests that these continents were once joined together and later drifted apart.


What effect does continental drift have on fossil remains?

Continental drift can affect fossil remains by causing them to be dispersed across different continents as landmasses move. It can also result in changes to the environmental conditions where fossils are found, impacting preservation and fossil formation processes. Additionally, the movement of continents can lead to the creation of new habitats or barriers, influencing the distribution and evolution of species.


What is the evidence for the continental puzzle?

The evidence for the continental puzzle, also known as continental drift, includes the fit of continental coastlines, particularly South America and Africa, which appear to align like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Fossil evidence, such as the distribution of similar species like the Mesosaurus, supports the idea that these continents were once connected. Additionally, geological similarities, such as mountain ranges and rock formations, across continents indicate they were once part of a larger landmass. Paleoclimatic evidence, including coal deposits in cold regions and glacial deposits in warm areas, further supports the notion of shifting continents over geological time.