Final answer:
Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift is now widely accepted and supported extensively as plate tectonics explains the dynamic movement of Earth's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alfred Wegener's revolutionary concept of continental drift laid the groundwork for our current understanding of plate tectonics. Initially proposed in 1915, Wegener's idea of all the continents once forming a supercontinent called Pangaea was supported by several key pieces of evidence: the jigsaw fit of continents, matching fossils across oceans, corresponding mountain ranges, and paleoclimatic data hinting at past positions of continents near the poles or equator. Despite presenting compelling evidence, Wegener's hypothesis was not initially accepted due to the lack of a clear mechanism for why continents would move. It wasn't until further developments in geology, oceanography, and geophysics throughout the 20th century, especially during the 1960s, that the hypothesis was expanded upon and universally adopted as plate tectonics, confirming the dynamic nature of Earth's surface.
So in answer to the student's question, the accurate choice is: a) The theory is widely accepted and supported by extensive evidence. Today, the theory of continental drift and Pangea is integral to modern geology and is supported by an abundance of evidence from various scientific fields.