Chapter 12, Section 1: Continental Drift
This quiz assesses basic knowledge over the theory of continental drift.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The presence of the same __________________________ on several different continents supports the theory of continental drift.
- A.
Rocks
- B.
Fossils
- C.
Neither a or b
- D.
Both a and b
Correct Answer
D. Both a and bExplanation
The presence of the same rocks and fossils on several different continents supports the theory of continental drift. This is because if the continents were once connected and have since drifted apart, it would explain how the same types of rocks and fossils are found in different locations. The similarity in geological formations and paleontological evidence across continents provides strong evidence for the movement of continents over time.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Who came up with the idea of continental drift?
- A.
Harry Hess
- B.
Alfred Wegener
- C.
Albert Einstein
- D.
Abraham Ortelius
Correct Answer
B. Alfred WegenerExplanation
Alfred Wegener is the correct answer because he proposed the theory of continental drift in the early 20th century. He suggested that the continents were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea, and over time, they drifted apart to their current positions. Wegener's theory was supported by evidence such as the fit of the continents, similarities in rock formations and fossils across different continents, and the presence of ancient glacial deposits in areas that are now warm. Although his theory was initially met with skepticism, it laid the foundation for our understanding of plate tectonics.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Fossils of warm weather plants found in the Antarctic would be related to ___________________________.
- A.
Rocks
- B.
Sea floor spreading
- C.
Climate
- D.
Dinosaurs
Correct Answer
C. ClimateExplanation
The presence of fossils of warm weather plants in the Antarctic suggests that the climate in that region was once much warmer than it is today. This indicates that the Antarctic had a different climate in the past, possibly during a time when the Earth's climate was generally warmer. It provides evidence of how climate has changed over time and can help scientists understand past climate patterns and how they may have influenced the distribution of plants and animals.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The large super-continent that was thought to have existed was called ______________________________.
- A.
Pangaea
- B.
Mesosaurus
- C.
Glossopteris
- D.
Laurasia
Correct Answer
A. PangaeaExplanation
Pangaea is the correct answer because it was the name given to the large super-continent that was believed to have existed millions of years ago. This super-continent was formed when all the continents were joined together as one landmass. The theory of Pangaea was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century, and it has been supported by various lines of evidence, including the fit of the continents, matching rock formations, and the distribution of fossils.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The hypothesis that continents have slowly moved to their current location is called ______________________________________________.
- A.
Seafloor spreading
- B.
Continental slope
- C.
Continental drift
- D.
Convection current
Correct Answer
C. Continental driftExplanation
The correct answer is continental drift. This hypothesis suggests that the continents on Earth were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea and have since moved apart over millions of years. This movement is believed to have been driven by the slow movement of tectonic plates on the Earth's surface. The theory of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century and has since been supported by various lines of evidence, including the fit of continents, matching geologic formations, and fossil records.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Most scientists disagreed with Wegener's idea of drifting continents because _________________________________________________________________.
- A.
He had come up with a lot of other bad ideas in his life time.
- B.
He did not have enough evidence to support his theory.
- C.
He was thought to have mental problems.
- D.
He had too much evidence.
Correct Answer
B. He did not have enough evidence to support his theory.Explanation
Most scientists disagreed with Wegener's idea of drifting continents because he did not have enough evidence to support his theory.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Rock clues were used to support the theory of continental drift because ______________________________________________________________.
- A.
Similar rock structures were found on different continents.
- B.
The Appalachian Mountains looked completely different than the mountains on Greenland.
- C.
Fossils were found in the rocks.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Similar rock structures were found on different continents.Explanation
The presence of similar rock structures on different continents suggests that these continents were once connected or in close proximity. This supports the theory of continental drift, which proposes that the continents were once part of a single supercontinent called Pangaea and have since moved apart over time. The discovery of similar rock structures provides evidence for the movement and separation of continents.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jan 31, 2011Quiz Created by
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