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Alfred Wegener's fully developed theory of continental drift attempted to point out evidences that the continents were once joined into a single continent he called Pangea. Wegener's theory hypothesized that the continents were able to push through the rock of the seafloor to their present positions. As evidence, he noted, as had others before him, of the geographic correlation in coastline perimeters of South America and Africa. This was the feature that led Wegener to investigate for other evidences. His investigations revealed that mountain ranges in South America and Africa, and strata and composition of coal fields in Europe and North America matched or lined up. Additionally, matching reptilian fossils were found on either side of the ocean, indicating that the continents were once joined together. Although he was unable to find a mechanism for his proposed continental drift theory, he also observed that the more shallow an ocean, the younger its geologic age. It wasn't until the 1950's and 1960's, with the discovery of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and other sea floor mapping discoveries that Wegener's hypothesis started to become more accepted. The newer science of plate tectonics owes much to Wegener's scientific groundwork.

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Why was the hypothesis of continental drift rejected when it was proposed by wegener?

Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was rejected because he lacked a plausible mechanism to explain how the continents moved. Additionally, the scientific community at the time did not have sufficient evidence to support the idea of continents drifting. It wasn't until the theory of plate tectonics emerged later, providing a mechanism and supporting evidence, that continental drift became widely accepted.


What are the four forms of evidence Alfred wegener used to support his hypothesis he called continental drift?

Alfred Wegener used fossil evidence (matching plant and animal species across continents), geological evidence (similar rock formations and mountain ranges on different continents), climate evidence (glacial deposits and ancient climate patterns that suggested continents were once connected), and fit of continents (the way the continents seem to fit together like a puzzle) to support his hypothesis of continental drift.


Why was Alfred Wegener's proclamation known as a hypothesis and not a theory?

Alfred Wegener's proclamation of continental drift was initially considered a hypothesis because it lacked substantial empirical evidence to fully support it. A theory requires a well-established body of evidence and confirmed predictions, which were not present at the time of Wegener's proposal.


True or false wegener knew that continental drift explained fossils of tropical plants?

True. Alfred Wegener, the scientist who proposed the theory of continental drift, used the distribution of fossils of tropical plants across continents as evidence to support his idea that the continents were once connected. This was one of the key pieces of evidence Wegener used to support his theory.


Which one was used as support of Wegener's continental drift hypothesis?

Wegener's continental drift hypothesis was supported by several lines of evidence, including the fit of the continents, fossil correlations, and geological similarities across continents. For instance, the distribution of similar fossil species, such as Mesosaurus, found in both South America and Africa, suggested that these continents were once connected. Additionally, the alignment of mountain ranges and rock formations across continents indicated a shared geological history. These pieces of evidence collectively bolstered Wegener's argument for the movement of continents over time.

Related Questions

Which type of evidence was not used by Alfred wegener to support his continental hypothesis?

Which type of evidence was NOT used by Alfred Wegener to support his continental drift hypothesis human remains


What types of evidence was used by Alfred Wegener to support his continental drift hypothesis?

human remains


Which type of evidence was not used by Alfred wegener to support his continental drift hypothesis?

Which type of evidence was NOT used by Alfred Wegener to support his continental drift hypothesis human remains


Why scientists rejected wegener's hypothesis of continental drift?

Scientist rejected Wegners hypothesis of continental drift at first because he did not have enogh evidence to support his theory. He failed to provide a suitable mechanism that could cause the continents to move.


Why was the hypothesis of continental drift rejected when it was proposed by wegener?

Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was rejected because he lacked a plausible mechanism to explain how the continents moved. Additionally, the scientific community at the time did not have sufficient evidence to support the idea of continents drifting. It wasn't until the theory of plate tectonics emerged later, providing a mechanism and supporting evidence, that continental drift became widely accepted.


What was NOT used by Wegener to support his hypothesis of continental drift?

The ratio of the price of tea in China to the average density of the Moon. Among other things. You might want to be more specific in questions like this.


How did Wegener use four type of evidence to help support his hypothesis of continental drift?

Alfred Wegener used fossil evidence, geological evidence, paleoclimatic evidence, and the fit of continental coastlines to support his theory of continental drift. By comparing fossils, rock formations, climate patterns, and the alignment of continents like puzzle pieces, Wegener proposed that the continents were once connected in a single supercontinent called Pangaea that drifted apart over time.


What are the four forms of evidence Alfred wegener used to support his hypothesis he called continental drift?

Alfred Wegener used fossil evidence (matching plant and animal species across continents), geological evidence (similar rock formations and mountain ranges on different continents), climate evidence (glacial deposits and ancient climate patterns that suggested continents were once connected), and fit of continents (the way the continents seem to fit together like a puzzle) to support his hypothesis of continental drift.


Why was Alfred Wegener's proclamation known as a hypothesis and not a theory?

Alfred Wegener's proclamation of continental drift was initially considered a hypothesis because it lacked substantial empirical evidence to fully support it. A theory requires a well-established body of evidence and confirmed predictions, which were not present at the time of Wegener's proposal.


How did wegener use climate changes to support his hypothesis?

Wegener used similarities in fossil evidence and rock formations across different continents, along with past climatic evidence such as glacial deposits in regions where glaciers no longer exist, to support his hypothesis of continental drift. He argued that these geological and climatic similarities could only be explained by the continents once being connected in a single landmass.


What type of reasoning did Wegener use in developing his continental drift theory?

Alfred Wegener used deductive reasoning in developing his continental drift theory. He collected evidence from different fields such as geology, paleontology, and climatology to support his hypothesis that the continents were once connected in a single supercontinent called Pangaea.


What did Alfred Wegener use for evidence?

Alfred Wegener used several pieces of evidence to support his theory of continental drift, including the fit of continents like South America and Africa, similar rock formations and mountain ranges across continents, and the distribution of plants and animals. He also looked at evidence from fossils and ancient climate data to support his hypothesis.