Fossil Evidence Across Oceans
Fossil evidence across oceans was one of Alfred Wegener's strongest proofs for continental drift, showing that identical fossils of the reptile Mesosaurus and the fern Glossopteris appeared on continents now separated by vast oceans. In Amplify Science (California) Grade 7, Chapter 3: Investigating the Rate of Plate Movement, students analyze how these organisms could not have crossed an ocean, meaning the continents must once have been connected.
Key Concepts
Wegener’s strongest proof came from fossils . He found identical fossils of the reptile Mesosaurus and the fern Glossopteris on continents separated by vast oceans.
Since these organisms could not swim or fly across an ocean, the only logical explanation was that the landmasses were connected when these creatures were alive. This fossil evidence provided the necessary support to argue that the continents had moved over time.
Common Questions
What fossil evidence did Wegener use for continental drift?
Wegener found identical fossils of Mesosaurus (a reptile) and Glossopteris (a fern) on continents separated by oceans. Since these organisms could not cross oceans, the continents must have been connected.
What is Mesosaurus and why is it important for plate tectonics?
Mesosaurus was a small freshwater reptile whose identical fossils appear in South America and Africa. Because it could not swim across the Atlantic Ocean, its distribution proves the continents were once joined.
How does fossil evidence support the theory of plate tectonics?
Matching fossils on different continents show that landmasses were once connected. When organisms that cannot cross oceans appear on both sides, it provides strong evidence that the continents drifted apart over millions of years.
What chapter covers fossil evidence in Amplify Science Grade 7?
Fossil evidence across oceans is covered in Amplify Science (California) Grade 7, Chapter 3: Investigating the Rate of Plate Movement.