What did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?
Wegener supported his theory by demonstrating the biological and geological similarities between continents. South America and Africa contain fossils of animals found only on those two continents, with corresponding geographic ranges.
What supports Alfred Wegener’s theory?
Evidence for continental drift Wegener knew that fossil plants and animals such as mesosaurs, a freshwater reptile found only South America and Africa during the Permian period, could be found on many continents. He also matched up rocks on either side of the Atlantic Ocean like puzzle pieces.
Why was Wegener’s theory not accepted?
The main reason that Wegener’s hypothesis was not accepted was because he suggested no mechanism for moving the continents. He thought the force of Earth’s spin was sufficient to cause continents to move, but geologists knew that rocks are too strong for this to be true.
Why did Wegener’s theory take more than 50 years?
It took more than 50 years for Wegener’s theory to be accepted. One of the reasons was that it was difficult to work out how whole continents could move. It was not until the 1960s that enough evidence was discovered to support the theory fully.
How Wegener’s theory changed after his death and why?
Wegener’s theory found more scattered support after his death, but the majority of geologists continued to believe in static continents and land bridges. We now know that Wegener’s theory was wrong in one major point: continents do not plow through the ocean floor.
What is the best piece of evidence for plate tectonics?
Evidence from fossils, glaciers, and complementary coastlines helps reveal how the plates once fit together. Fossils tell us when and where plants and animals once existed. Some life “rode” on diverging plates, became isolated, and evolved into new species.
Which is the supercontinent?
A supercontinent is a landmass made up of most or all of Earth’s land. By this definition the landmass formed by present-day Africa and Eurasia could be considered a supercontinent. The most recent supercontinent to incorporate all of Earth’s major—and perhaps best-known—landmasses was Pangea.