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Alfred Wegener observed that the shapes of continental Coastlines, particularly those of South America and Africa, appeared to fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. This observation suggested that these continents were once connected and have since drifted apart. He used this fitting shape as part of his evidence for the theory of continental drift, which proposed that continents move over geological time. Wegener's ideas were controversial at the time but laid the groundwork for modern plate tectonics.

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What scientist proposed the first formal theory of continental drift?

Continental Drift was put forward by Alfred Wegener.(1880-1930). One piece of evidence on which he based his ideas was the similarity of shapes of the South American and African coastlines. Another was the fact that the same types of fossil are found in both places.


What are two things that support the continental drift theory?

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


LAB 4-7 continental drift answers?

Continental drift refers to the movement of Earth's continents relative to each other over time. The theory of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912, suggesting that all continents were once connected as a single supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart. Evidence supporting continental drift includes the matching shapes of continents, similar fossil distributions, and the alignment of mountain ranges across different continents.


Are the sizes and shapes of the continents the same as the sizes and shapes of the plates?

No, the sizes and shapes of the continents do not directly correspond to the sizes and shapes of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are larger and different in shape compared to the continents they contain. Continental plates can span multiple tectonic plates and vice versa.


What supported Wagner's theory of continental drift?

Several evidences were given as proof to the theory of continental drift, they include; 1. Climatic evidence (Paleoclimatic Reconstruction). 2. Fossil evidence (Paleontological proof). 3. Continental fit. (Continental margin shapes). 4. Lithological and Stratigrapical similarities of adjacent continental masses. 5. Seafloor spreading. 6. Glacial till. 7. Plate tectonics.

Related Questions

33 What was the name of the floral fossils Wegener used for the idea of continental drift?

The name of the floral fossils Wegner used for the idea of continental drift was glossopteris. Alfred Wegner used the continental drift as a way to explain the continental shapes.


What crucial question could wegener not answer that might have changes other scientist mind?

According to the wikipedia article about Wegener, his problem might have been his inexpert knowledge of English. He failed to assert the importance of fitting continental shapes at their 200m isobaths rather than their current coastlines.


What information or items did Alfred wegener support his theory?

Alfred Wegener supported his theory of continental drift by comparing the shapes of continents, similarities in rock formations, fossil evidence, and paleoclimatic data across different continents. He also suggested that the continents had once been part of a single supercontinent called Pangea.


Which 2 continents are used as evidence for the continental puzzle?

Africa and South America were used as evidence for the continental puzzle due to the matching shapes of their coastlines and geological similarities such as rock formations and fossils found on both continents. This helped support the theory of continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century.


What scientist proposed the first formal theory of continental drift?

Continental Drift was put forward by Alfred Wegener.(1880-1930). One piece of evidence on which he based his ideas was the similarity of shapes of the South American and African coastlines. Another was the fact that the same types of fossil are found in both places.


What hypothesis by Alfred Wegener explains why continents seem to fit together?

Alfred Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift explains that continents were once part of a single supercontinent called Pangea, which over time drifted apart to their current positions. This theory is supported by geological evidence such as the matching shapes of continents on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean.


Give an example of evidence from land features that supported wegeners idea of continental drift?

An example of evidence from land features that supported Wegener's idea of continental drift might include the piecing together of map layouts which show the way that the continents fit together. Wegener is famous for sharing this example.


What is Alfred wegener's evidence on climate?

Alfred Wegener's evidence for his theory of continental drift included similarities in the shapes of the coastlines of continents, the distribution of fossils across continents, and the matching geological features on different continents. These provided support for the idea that the continents were once connected and have moved over time, influencing climate patterns.


What evidence did exploration of the ocean floor reveal to further support Wegener's theory?

Exploration of the ocean floor revealed the presence of mid-ocean ridges, deep-sea trenches, and underwater mountain ranges. These features provided supporting evidence for Wegener's theory of continental drift by showing that the seafloor was in fact spreading and new crust was being formed at mid-ocean ridges. This supported the idea that the Earth's crust was not stationary but moving, as Wegener had proposed.


Why did Alfred Wegener believe that the continents were just one big landmass before?

Alfred Wegener believed in the theory of continental drift because he saw evidence like the fit of the continents, similarities in rock formations and fossils, and matching geological features on different continents. He proposed that these observations supported the idea that the continents were once connected as one supercontinent, which he named Pangaea.


Why the same galaxy's can appear to have different shapes to observe?

Becouse people have different eyes and telescopes


What can you tell by comparing the shapes of the continents with the shapes of the earth's plates?

Comparing the shapes of continents with the shapes of Earth's plates can provide insights into past plate movements. The jigsaw-like fit of continents, such as South America and Africa, indicates that they were once connected and have since drifted apart due to plate tectonics. Similar shapes of continental margins or continental shelves can suggest that they were once part of the same landmass before separating.