Question

directions: after reading through wegener’s 4 clues, decide if earth’s continents and ocean basins are moving or geographically fixed. complete the cer chart below, citing evidence to support your claim.
guiding question:
are earth’s ocean basins and continents on the move, or are they
geographically fixed?
claim:

evidence: \treasoning:

Explanation:

The claim is based on Alfred Wegener's continental drift evidence, which shows continents and ocean basins move over time. Evidence points to matching coastlines, fossil records, rock formations, and paleoclimatic data across separated continents. Reasoning connects this evidence to the idea that continents were once joined (Pangaea) and have since drifted, altering ocean basin positions.

Answer:

Claim:

Earth's ocean basins and continents are on the move.

Evidence:

1. Matching continental coastlines (e.g., South America and Africa fit together like puzzle pieces)
2. Identical fossil species (e.g., Mesosaurus) found on separated continents with no ability to cross open ocean
3. Matching rock formation sequences and mountain ranges across different continents
4. Paleoclimatic evidence (e.g., glacial deposits in warm, equatorial regions) indicating continents were once in different latitudes

Reasoning:

The only logical explanation for these disconnected, matching features across continents is that the landmasses were once joined in a single supercontinent (Pangaea) and have slowly drifted apart over millions of years. As continents move, the shape and position of ocean basins between them also change.