Question

18
evidence for the theory of continental drift
select all of the following that provide evidence that would support the theory of continental drift.
glossopteris fossils have been found on all continents.
the outline of the west coast of africa matches the outline of the east coast of south america.
the geology of rock found in south america closely resembles that found in north america.
the outline of the west coast of north america matches the outline of the east coast of asia.
a single mountain range runs through south america, antarctica, and australia.
a single mountain range runs through eastern north america.
marsupials in south america and australia share the same common ancestor.
evidence of lystrosaurus has been found in antarctica, africa, and southeast asia.
fossils in north america closely match those in south america.

Explanation:

To determine evidence for continental drift, we analyze each option:

1. Glossopteris fossils on all continents: Glossopteris was a plant with limited seed dispersal, so its wide distribution suggests continents were once connected. This supports continental drift.
2. Africa - South America coast outline match: The matching coastlines (west Africa and east South America) imply they were once joined, a key continental drift evidence.
3. South - North America rock geology match: Similar rock formations across continents that are now separated suggest they were once part of the same landmass.
4. North America - Asia coast outline match: These coasts do not match in a way that supports continental drift (geographically, west North America and east Asia are not adjacent in the continental drift model).
5. Mountain range through South America, Antarctica, Australia: A continuous mountain range across these now - separated continents implies they were once connected.
6. Mountain range in eastern North America: A single range within a continent does not support continental drift (it's within one landmass now).
7. Marsupials in South America and Australia share ancestor: Marsupials' distribution across these separated continents suggests the continents were once connected, allowing migration of their common ancestor.
8. Lystrosaurus evidence in Antarctica, Africa, Southeast Asia: Lystrosaurus was a land - dwelling reptile, so its presence across these now - separated continents supports continental drift.
9. North - South America fossil match: Similar fossils across these once - connected (in the continental drift model) continents support the theory.

Answer:

• Glossopteris fossils have been found on all continents.
• The outline of the west coast of Africa matches the outline of the east coast of South America.
• The geology of rock found in South America closely resembles that found in North America.
• A single mountain range runs through South America, Antarctica, and Australia.
• Marsupials in South America and Australia share the same common ancestor.
• Evidence of Lystrosaurus has been found in Antarctica, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
• Fossils in North America closely match those in South America.