Question

plate tectonics · section summary
drifting continents
key concepts

• what was alfred wegeners hypothesis about the continents?
• what evidence supported wegeners hypothesis?
• why was alfred wegeners theory rejected by most scientists of his day?

Explanation:

Alfred Wegener hypothesized that the continents were once joined together in a single super - continent (Pangaea) and have since drifted apart. Evidence includes the fit of the continents' coastlines, similar rock formations and fossils across different continents. His theory was rejected mainly because he could not adequately explain the mechanism by which the continents moved.

Answer:

1. Wegener hypothesized that the continents were once part of a single super - continent and have drifted apart.
2. Evidence: continental fit, similar rock formations and fossils.
3. Rejected because of lack of a clear mechanism for continental movement.