Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

Which region is primarily represented by today's Scandinavia and Baltic?

1. Laurentia

2. Baltica

3. Gondwana

4. Terrane

The correct answer is: Baltica

The region represented by today's Scandinavia and the Baltic area is primarily referred to as Baltica. This geological concept pertains to one of the continental crust segments that existed during the Paleozoic era. Baltica was once a distinct landmass that encompassed parts of what are now Scandinavia, Finland, and the Baltic countries. Baltica was part of a larger landmass that also included regions that are now part of northern Europe and had a significant role in the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea. The geological features, including the ancient rocks found in Scandinavia, provide evidence for this landmass's existence and its unique geological history. Laurentia, on the other hand, refers to the ancient core of North America, which is distinct from the Baltic region. Gondwana was a massive supercontinent that included landmasses in the Southern Hemisphere, much of what is now South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia. The term "Terrane" generally describes a fragment of the Earth's crust that has a distinct geological history, but it does not specifically represent the region in question. Therefore, Baltica is the correct answer as it specifically denotes the geological and geographical area associated with current Scandinavia and the Baltic region.