Q11.What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidence in its support.

The theory of continental drift, proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912, posits that continents slowly move across Earth's surface. It suggested a supercontinent, Pangea, which broke apart into Laurasia and Gondwanaland, then further fragmented into current continents.

• Jigsaw fit: The striking coastline match between continents, notably South America and Africa, suggests their former unity.
• Geological similarities: Identical rock formations and mountain ranges (e.g., Appalachians, Caledonians) across oceans indicate a shared geological past.
• Paleoclimatic evidence: Glacial tillites in tropical regions and coal in polar areas imply continents have shifted their positions relative to climatic zones.
• Fossil distribution: Identical fossils of Mesosaurus, Lystrosaurus, and Glossopteris found on widely separated continents (e.g., Africa, South America) support their past connection.

Though initially lacking a mechanism, continental drift provided the crucial framework for the later development of plate tectonics.