Final answer:
The continents moved due to slow motions within the Earth's mantle, a concept known as plate tectonics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory of continental drift suggests that the continents moved due to slow motions within the mantle of the Earth. These motions cause large segments of the crust to move, resulting in the gradual drifting of the continents. This movement is part of a larger concept known as plate tectonics, which explains the formation of mountains and other geological features.