Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

What does the theory of continental drift propose about modern continents?

1. They are static and unchanging.

2. They formed through seafloor spreading.

3. They were once part of a single landmass.

4. They are formed by volcanic activity only.

The correct answer is: They were once part of a single landmass.

The theory of continental drift, initially proposed by Alfred Wegener, suggests that the modern continents were once part of a single, large landmass known as Pangaea. Over millions of years, this supercontinent gradually broke apart, and the fragments drifted to their current positions. This concept emphasizes that continents are not fixed in place but have moved over geological time due to the movement of tectonic plates. The idea of continental drift is foundational for understanding plate tectonics and how the Earth's surface has evolved. This movement is not about the continents being static or unchanging, nor does it solely focus on the processes of seafloor spreading or volcanic activity. Instead, it highlights the historical connectivity of continents and explains the distribution of fossils, similar rock types, and geological features that can be found across different continents today. These observations support the notion that continents were once joined and have since drifted apart.