Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

Who is known as the father of the theory of continental drift?

1. Charles Darwin

2. Alfred Wegener

3. Isaac Newton

4. Robert Hooke

The correct answer is: Alfred Wegener

Alfred Wegener is recognized as the father of the theory of continental drift due to his pioneering work in the early 20th century. He proposed that the continents were once part of a single supercontinent, which he named Pangaea, that gradually drifted apart over geological time. Wegener supported his theory with multiple lines of evidence, including similarities in fossil records across continents, the matching of geological formations, and the distribution of certain species. His ideas laid the groundwork for the later development of plate tectonics, providing insights into the motion of the Earth's lithosphere and the dynamic nature of our planet's surface. The significance of Wegener's contributions cannot be overstated, as they initiated a paradigm shift in our understanding of Earth's geological history. His work ultimately sparked further research and exploration into plate movements, transforming the fields of geology and earth sciences.