Question

evidence #3: at the bottom right side of the screen click on \tectonic fit\.

1. how do mountain ranges support wegners theory that all of the land on earth was once connected together?

evidence #4: at the bottom right side of the screen click on \glacial deposits\.

1. which continents have evidence of glacial deposits?
2. knowing what the continents from #5 are like today, does it make sense that they were once covered with ice? why or why not?
3. what can scientists learn from glacial striations (scratches across earths surface)?

evidence #5: at the bottom right side of the screen click on \fossil evidence\.

1. how do index fossils support wegners theory that all of the land was once connected together?

there was a question about whether or not the organisms (whose fossils we are using as evidence) actually existed on a supercontinent. there were two possible alternative explanations.
a. do you think it would be possible for species to evolve (change) in the exact same ways even though they were separated by oceans? why or why not?
b. what do you think the odds are that a pair of breeding organisms traveled across the ocean to another continent and then started a new, second population? explain your reasoning.

Explanation:

1. Mountain ranges on different continents can have similar rock - types and structures. When the continents were once connected, these mountain - building processes occurred continuously across what are now separate landmasses.
2. Antarctica, South America, Africa, India, and Australia have evidence of glacial deposits. These deposits suggest that these continents were once part of a colder, more connected landmass where glaciers could form and move.
3. Some of these continents like Africa and India are in warm regions today. It makes sense that they were once covered with ice because the theory of continental drift suggests that they have moved from colder polar regions to their current positions over geological time.
4. Glacial striations can tell scientists about the direction in which glaciers moved. By studying these scratches on Earth's surface, they can infer the past positions of continents and the flow patterns of ancient glaciers.
5. Index fossils are found in similar rock layers on different continents. Since these fossils represent organisms that lived for a relatively short time, their presence on widely - separated continents suggests that these continents were once joined together.

9a. It is highly unlikely for species to evolve in exactly the same ways when separated by oceans. Different environments, selection pressures, and random genetic mutations would lead to different evolutionary paths.
9b. The odds are extremely low. Ocean travel is difficult and dangerous for most organisms. There are many challenges such as lack of food, water, and exposure to harsh ocean conditions. Also, for a breeding population to successfully establish a new population on another continent, there would need to be a male - female pair of reproductive age, and they would need to find suitable habitat and resources upon arrival.

Answer:

1. Similar rock - types and structures in mountain ranges on different continents suggest they were once part of continuous mountain - building processes when continents were joined.
2. Antarctica, South America, Africa, India, Australia.
3. Yes, because of continental drift; they have moved from colder regions to their current warm positions.
4. The direction of ancient glacier movement and past positions of continents.
5. Index fossils in similar rock layers on different continents imply the continents were once connected.

9a. No, due to different environments and evolutionary pressures.
9b. Extremely low, due to difficulties of ocean travel and requirements for successful establishment.