{Alfred Wegener}
Why did no one believe his theory?
He had very little evidence to prove his theory.
What is a tectonic plate?
A large, moving piece of Earth’s crust and upper mantle.
What are fossils?
Preserved remains or traces of ancient living things.
What was Wegener’s theory called?
Continental Drift.
What did the people think of him when he first presented his theory?
Crazy.
What happens when Tectonic Plates move?
Earthquakes.
Did Wegener use fossils as evidence?
Yes.
Who proposed the theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener.
What was his one piece of evidence?
The continents looked like puzzle pieces.
Are tectonic plates always moving?
Yes, very slowly.
How many different types of fossils did Wegener use to prove his theory?
4.
What theory explains how Earth’s plates move?
Plate Tectonics.
Where did Wegener die?
Greenland.
How were the Himalayan mountains formed?
By the collision of two major tectonic plates.
Name one fossil Wegener used as evidence.
Glossopteris, Mesosaurus, Cynognathus, Lystrosaurus.
What was the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago?
Pangaea.
What year was he born?
1880.
How do the Plates move?
They move because of heat and movement inside Earth’s mantle.
Why did fossils support Wegener’s theory?
The same fossils were found on continents that are now far apart.
What is the name of the ancient fossil reptile that was found in both South America and Africa?
Mesosaurus.