Use this sentence starter to answer: Three pieces of evidence are ___, ___, and ___.
Give 3 pieces of evidence that support Plate Tectonics. (the plates have moved over time)
Three pieces of evidence that support Plate Tectonics are the matching coastlines, the distribution of fossils, and the paleomagnetic data.
1. Matching coastlines: One piece of evidence is the remarkable fit between the coastlines of different continents. For example, the eastern coast of South America aligns perfectly with the western coast of Africa. This observation suggests that these continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart over time.
2. Distribution of fossils: Another piece of evidence comes from the distribution of fossils found on different continents. Fossil evidence reveals similar species of plants and animals in regions that are now geographically separated but would have been adjacent in the past. This indicates that these organisms were once able to freely migrate and that the continents were once connected.
3. Paleomagnetic data: Lastly, paleomagnetic data provides evidence for plate tectonics. Rocks contain tiny magnetic minerals that align with the Earth's magnetic field when they form. By studying the orientation of these minerals in rocks of different ages, scientists have discovered that the magnetic poles have shifted throughout Earth's history. This variation in magnetic alignment is best explained by the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates over time.