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Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was not widely accepted initially due to a lack of a plausible mechanism to explain how continents could move across the Earth's surface. His ideas challenged established geological beliefs, and many scientists were skeptical of the evidence he presented, which included similarities in fossil records and geological formations across continents. Additionally, the prevailing theory of fixed continents was supported by influential geologists, making it difficult for Wegener's ideas to gain traction. It wasn't until the development of plate tectonics in the mid-20th century that his hypothesis was validated and embraced.

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Why was wegeners hypothesis of continental drift not widely accepted at the time it was proposed what?

Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was not widely accepted at the time primarily due to a lack of a plausible mechanism for how continents could move. His ideas challenged the prevailing geological views, which held that continents were static. Additionally, the scientific community was skeptical of the evidence he presented, such as the fit of coastlines and fossil correlations, viewing them as insufficient to support such a revolutionary concept. It wasn't until the development of plate tectonics in the mid-20th century that his ideas gained broader acceptance.


Why was the wegeners hypothesis o the continental drift not widely accepted at the time it was proposed?

Although it seemed to make a lot of sense, there was no known proof of HOW the continents would drift. It wasn't until years later that we gained knowledge of plate tectonics, which bolstered Wegener's hypothesis.


What was an important reason why wegeners continental drift hypothesis was widely accepted?

The continental Coastlines fit together like puzzle pieces, fossils, and glacier Grover in warm places


What discovery led scientists to accept Wegeners continental drift hypothesis?

One day while scientists were exploring the sea floor, they discovered sea-floor spreading, thus proving Wegener's hypothesis to be correct.


What is wegeners hypothesis for continental drift?

Wegener's hypothesis for continental drift, proposed in the early 20th century, suggests that continents were once part of a single supercontinent called Pangaea, which gradually broke apart and drifted to their current positions. He based his hypothesis on evidence such as the fit of continental coastlines, similar geological features across continents, and fossil correlations. Despite presenting compelling evidence, Wegener's theory was initially met with skepticism due to the lack of a mechanism to explain how continents could move. It wasn't until the development of the theory of plate tectonics that his ideas gained widespread acceptance.

Related Questions

The scientists of wegeners time should have accepted his hypothesis why or why not?

yes because they didnt know how wegners inteligence was and they should have tried it in the firts place anyway it would have helped relize that his hypothesis waas correct when they dobt of him!


The scientists of wegeners time should have accepted his hypothesis .why or why not?

yes because they didnt know how wegners inteligence was and they should have tried it in the firts place anyway it would have helped relize that his hypothesis waas correct when they dobt of him!


What evidence did Wegeners have to support his theory?

Fossils support his hypothesis.


What was the reason wegeners continental drift hypothesis was rejected?

His evidence was incorrect.


Why was wegeners hypothesis of continental drift not widely accepted at the time it was proposed what?

Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was not widely accepted at the time primarily due to a lack of a plausible mechanism for how continents could move. His ideas challenged the prevailing geological views, which held that continents were static. Additionally, the scientific community was skeptical of the evidence he presented, such as the fit of coastlines and fossil correlations, viewing them as insufficient to support such a revolutionary concept. It wasn't until the development of plate tectonics in the mid-20th century that his ideas gained broader acceptance.


Why was the wegeners hypothesis o the continental drift not widely accepted at the time it was proposed?

Although it seemed to make a lot of sense, there was no known proof of HOW the continents would drift. It wasn't until years later that we gained knowledge of plate tectonics, which bolstered Wegener's hypothesis.


Why was wegeners idea denied?

The scientific means for proving his hypothesis had not yet been developed.


What was Alfred wegeners accomplishments?

He proposed the idea of continental dift, which is very cool!


Wegeners hypothesis of continental drift was finally confirmed by?

evidence supporting the idea of sea-floor spreading.


Wegeners hypothesis of continental drift was replaced in 1967 by which theory that supported his idea continents move?

plate tectonics


What was an important reason why wegeners continental drift hypothesis was widely accepted?

The continental Coastlines fit together like puzzle pieces, fossils, and glacier Grover in warm places


Why was wegeners theory of continental drift not accepted at first?

It was not excepted because they didn't believe him at all until it was proven!