Question

Which of the following was evidence cited by Alfred Wegener that the continents were once one large land mass he called Pangaea?

Similar fossils were found around the world

The ages, layers, and types of rocks on mountains in separated continents were the same

The shapes of the continents looked like they could fit together

All of the above

Answer 1

D. All of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alfred Wegener was certain than continents were once gathered together in a gigantic landmass known as Pangaea.

To support this theory, he collected different pieces of evidence:

1. Fossil evidence: Wegener stated that various fossils from plants and animals that were found on separate continents were located there and nowhere else, which suggested that these continents were once joined. For instance, the fossils of a freshwater reptile known as Mesosaurus are found in both Southern Africa and Eastern Southern America. As it is unlikely for this animal to move between both continents, it is suggested that both continents were once joined.
2. Ages, layers, and types of rocks: Wegener matched rocks from separated continents and realized that they matched like puzzle pieces. He stated that mountain ranges that are located on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean possess the same rock ages, types, and layers.
3. The shapes of continents look like they fit together: Alfred Wegener also suggested that the shape of separated continents looked like they were once joined. In fact, in 1910, he wrote to his wife the following thought: "Doesn't the east coast of South America fit exactly against the west coast of Africa, as if they had once been joined?"