Question

What are five observations or lines of evidence that support Wegener’s theory? Which of these was key to gaining widespread acceptance for the theory?

a) Provides five observations and identifies the key one
b) Provides five observations but doesn't identify the key one
c) Provides fewer than five observations
d) Provides unrelated information

Answer 1

Wegener provided several observations or lines of evidence that support his theory of continental drift, including the fitting of continents, matching fossils, matching mountain ranges, and paleoclimate evidence. The key observation that gained widespread acceptance was the discovery of matching fossils on continents separated by oceans.

Step-by-step explanation:

Wegener provided several observations or lines of evidence that support his theory of continental drift:

1. The continents appeared to fit together like pieces of a puzzle.
2. Matching fossils were found on continents that were separated by oceans.
3. Matching mountain ranges were found on continents that were separated by oceans.
4. Paleoclimate evidence suggested that continents were once closer to the polar regions or equator.

The key observation that contributed to the widespread acceptance of Wegener's theory was the matching fossils found on continents that were separated by oceans. This provided strong evidence of past land connections and supported the idea of continental drift.