Question

which of the following were considered to be the earliest evidence of plate tectonics? (check all that apply to get credit)
presence of offset streams on different continents.
the presence of similar rock types on different continents.
matching coastlines of various continents.
distribution of similar animal fossils in various continents.

Explanation:

Plate tectonics theory has several lines of evidence. The presence of similar rock types on different continents suggests that the continents were once connected. Matching coastlines of various continents (like the east coast of South America and the west coast of Africa) was one of the early observations. The distribution of similar animal fossils in various continents (e.g., Mesosaurus fossils found in South America and Africa) also indicated that the continents were once together. Offset streams on different continents is not a key early evidence for plate tectonics.

Answer:

B. The presence of similar rock types on different continents, C. Matching coastlines of various continents, D. Distribution of similar animal fossils in various continents.