In 3–5 sentences, identify and describe the fossil evidence Wegener used to support the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics.(4 points)
Wegener used fossil evidence to support his theories of continental drift and plate tectonics. He observed that identical fossils of plants and animals were found on different continents that are now separated by vast oceans. For example, fossils of the Mesosaurus, a small reptile, were found in both South America and Africa. These findings suggested that at one point in time, these continents were connected, supporting Wegener's theory that the continents were once part of a single supercontinent that later drifted apart.
Wegener used the fossil evidence of plant and animal remains found on separate continents to support his theory of continental drift. He observed that similar fossils were found in rock formations on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, suggesting that these continents were once connected. For example, the Mesosaurus, an extinct aquatic reptile, was found only in South America and Africa. This evidence indicated that these continents were once joined together and later moved apart, supporting the concept of continental drift and later plate tectonics.
To identify and describe the fossil evidence Wegener used to support the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics, you can follow these steps:
1. Read about Alfred Wegener's theories of continental drift and plate tectonics to gain a good understanding of his work.
2. Look for information on the fossil evidence Wegener used to support his theories. This evidence involves the presence of the same species of plants and animals found in different continents separated by large distances.
3. Note that Wegener pointed out the existence of identical fossils of ancient animals and plants on different continents, such as the mesosaurus found in South America and Africa. He argued that such fossils could only be explained if the continents were once connected and then drifted apart.
4. Summarize the fossil evidence by explaining that the distribution of these identical fossils across continents provided strong support for Wegener's theory of continental drift and the later theory of plate tectonics, indicating that land masses were once united and have since drifted apart.