Evidence of Pangea

Discover the evidence for Pangaea and Wegener's Continental Drift Theory: landforms, fossils, and geology explained!

Evidence for Pangaea Alfred Wegener developed the Theory of Continental Drift based on important pieces of evidence. Evidence is pieces of information or facts that help prove something to be true. Wegener used landform, geological and fossil evidence to support his theory. Mountains and other landforms on separate continents seem to be continuous. The only way the landforms could be continuous is if the continents were once combined together as Pangaea. Mountain ranges in North America are made of the same rock found in European mountain ranges. Mountain ranges in Africa and South America “line up” and appear to be continuous. Also, the east coast of South America complements the west coast of Africa. The continents seem to fit together like puzzle pieces. Rocks, minerals and natural resources on separate continents are consistent with each other and are found in locations that suggest the continents were once joined together. For example, there are matching geologic trends along the east coast of South America and west coast of Africa. Rock composition and formations found along the coasts are the same. Coal deposits in North America (specifically Pennsylvania) match up with coal deposits across Europe. The deposits are made of coal with a similar composition and date back to the same time period. Glacial sediment from the same glacier was deposited across South America, Africa, India, Antarctica and Australia. There are similar fossils dating to the same time period found on separate continents. Fossil evidence is considered to be the strongest evidence for Pangaea. Fossils of the same plants and animals living at the same time were found in South America, Africa, India and Australia. Specifically, fossils of an ancient freshwater reptile known as Mesosaurus were found in both Brazil and South Africa in the same rock layers. Additionally, fossils of an ancient land reptile known as Lystrosaurus were found in Africa, India and Antarctica in the same rock layers. _ What landform evidence exists to support the Theory of Continental Drift? What geological evidence exists to support the Theory of Continental Drift? What fossil evidence exists to support the Theory of Continental Drift? What piece of evidence is considered the strongest evidence for Pangaea? Why? Why is evidence important to supporting the Continental Drift Theory? Without evidence, do you think the theory would be as widely supported? Justify your answer