Question

what would provide the best evidence that the two continents were once joined and are moving apart due to plate motions? a. the appalachian mountains and the caledonian mountains are extremely different in age and composition. b. the appalachian mountains and the caledonian mountains both contain rock from the rock cycle. c. the appalachian mountains and the caledonian mountains are similar in age and composition. d. the appalachian mountains and the caledonian mountains are extremely different in weather and climate.

Explanation:

If two mountain ranges (the Appalachian Mountains and the Caledonian Mountains) are similar in age and composition, it suggests they were formed at the same time and from the same geological processes. This is strong evidence that the continents they are on were once joined (as part of a larger landmass) and have since moved apart due to plate - tectonic movements. Option A would suggest they are unrelated. Option B is too general as most mountain ranges have rocks from the rock cycle. Option D about weather and climate is not relevant to geological evidence of continental connection.

Answer:

C. The Appalachian Mountains and the Caledonian Mountains are similar in age and composition.