Plate Tectonics

This task is about interpreting evidence that scientists use to explain the theory of continental drift.

Continental drift theory states that the continents were once one landmass that broke apart and drifted to the present positions.

These tasks are about the evidence that scientists use to support their theory that Africa and South America were once joined.

continental drift showing map of world during jurassic period  continental drift showing map of world present day

continental drift animation

Question 1Change answer

 

The diagram above represents scientists' ideas about how they think Africa and South America were once joined. One type of evidence the scientists used to build this theory is fossil evidence.

Task One

What idea about fossil remains does this diagram show?

Question

Scientists believe that reptiles originated in one place and spread across the continents when the continents  were joined together. 

Task Two
Could the reptile Cynognathus have travelled between these continents if they were not joined?

 

    • Yes

    • No

Explain why

Question

Task Three
Could the reptile Mesosaurus have travelled
between these continents if they were not joined?

 

    • Yes

    • No

Explain why.

Question 1Change answer

Task Four

From the diagram below, what evidence other than fossil evidence might the scientists have used to support their theory that Africa and South America were once joined?