The theory of continental drift describes the movement of landmasses on Earth's surface.
Which of the following shows evidence of continental drift?
(1 point)
• fossil evidence
O glacial deposits
O match up of landforms, rocks, and other resources
• all of the above
• none of the above
• all of the above
• all of the above
The theory of continental drift is supported by multiple lines of evidence, including fossil evidence, glacial deposits, and the match-up of landforms, rocks, and other resources across continents. Therefore, all of the options listed show evidence of continental drift.
The correct answer is "all of the above" - fossil evidence, glacial deposits, and the match up of landforms, rocks, and other resources all provide evidence for continental drift.
To understand why these pieces of evidence support continental drift, let's break it down:
1. Fossil evidence: Fossils of plants and animals that lived in certain regions have been found on different continents that are now separated by vast oceans. This suggests that these continents were once connected and have since drifted apart. For example, fossils of the same species of reptile, Mesosaurus, have been discovered in both South America and Africa.
2. Glacial deposits: Glaciers leave behind distinctive deposits, such as till and moraines, as they move across the land. By studying the distribution and characteristics of these deposits, scientists can determine the past positions of glaciers. The presence of glacial deposits in areas that are currently far from polar regions indicates that the continents were once in different positions relative to the poles, supporting the idea of continental drift.
3. Match up of landforms, rocks, and other resources: When certain landforms, rock types, and geological features align and fit together across different continents, it suggests that they were once part of the same landmass. For instance, the Appalachian Mountains in North America share similar geology and structure with the Caledonian Mountains in Europe. This similarity implies that these regions were once connected before the continents moved apart.
To sum up, the combination of fossil evidence, glacial deposits, and the match up of landforms, rocks, and other resources provides substantial support for the theory of continental drift.