Evidence in Support of the Continental Drift Theory (250 Words) - UPSC Mains 2013 GS-1
The Continental Drift Theory, proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912, suggests that continents were once part of a single supercontinent, Pangaea, which g
Evidence in Support of the Continental Drift Theory (250 Words) - UPSC Mains 2013 GS-1 Answer Type-1 The Continental Drift Theory , proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912, suggests that continents were once part of a single supercontinent, Pangaea , which gradually drifted apart. Wegener provided multiple lines of evidence to support his hypothesis: Jigsaw Fit of Continents:
The coastlines of continents, particularly South America and Africa , fit together like puzzle pieces, indicating they were once joined. Fossil Evidence:
Identical fossils of species like Mesosaurus (a freshwater reptile), Glossopteris (a fern), and Lystrosaurus were discovered on continents now separated by oceans, implying these landmasses were once connected. Geological Evidence:
Similar rock formations, mountain ranges, and geological structures are found across continents. For instance, the Appalachian Mountains in North America align with the Caledonian Mountains in Europe. Paleoclimatic Evidence:
Evidence of past climat…