1. The Theory of Continental Drift

2. Continental Drift Theory
Proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912
250 million years ago, all of the continents were combined into one super-continent called “Pangaea”
The continents gradually drifted apart to where they are today

3. Alfred Wegener (German Scientist)
This picture was taken around 1925 (5 years before he died)

4. Evidence to Support the Theory

5. “Puzzle Pieces”
Continents look like they could be part of a giant jigsaw puzzle

6. Distribution of Fossils
Plant and animal fossils found on the coastlines of different continents

7. Ancient Climates
Tropical plant remains (coal deposits) found in Antarctica
Glaciation in Africa, South America, India, and Australia during the same time

8. Sequence of Rocks
Same rock patterns found in South America, India, Africa, Antarctica and Australia

9. Problems With The Theory
No mechanism for movement of continents
Wind and currents could possibly move fossils
Theory was not accepted by scientists

10. Review What is the theory of continental drift?
Continents were once one “super continent” but they slowly drifted apart
What 4 pieces of evidence did Wegner have to support this theory?
Puzzle pieces
Fossils
Ancient climates
Sequence of rocks