Question

select the correct answer.
which of the following was not a geological clue used to support the theory of continental drift?
a. rocks of the same composition and age were found in brazil and south africa.
b. fossils of the reptile lystrosaurus were found on the landmasses of africa, india, and antarctica.
c. fossils of the plant glossopteris were found on the landmasses of south america, africa, india, antarctica, and australia.
d. samples of ocean water tested off the coast of south america contained the same salt content as oceans near africa.

Explanation:

To determine the non - geological clue for continental drift, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Matching rock compositions and ages across continents (Brazil and South Africa) is a geological clue as it relates to the rock formations of the continents.
• Option B: Fossils of Lystrosaurus on different landmasses (Africa, India, Antarctica) suggest these landmasses were once connected, and fossil evidence is a key geological - related clue for continental drift.
• Option C: Fossils of Glossopteris on multiple landmasses (South America, Africa, India, Antarctica, Australia) also support the idea of connected landmasses in the past, and is a geological - related clue.
• Option D: Ocean water salt content between South America and Africa coasts is related to ocean chemistry, not the geology of the continents themselves. Continental drift is about the movement of continents, and ocean water salt content does not provide evidence for the movement of the continental plates.

Answer:

D. Samples of ocean water tested off the coast of South America contained the same salt content as oceans near Africa.