Final answer:
The theory of continental drift is supported by evidence from landforms, fossils, and rocks, as proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1915. Wegener's key observations included the fitting arrangement of continents, similar fossil records, and geological formations that indicated the movement of continents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory of continental drift is supported by landforms, fossils, and rocks. Alfred Wegener, a German scientist, first proposed the concept in 1915, suggesting that continents had once been merged into a supercontinent called Pangaea. Wegener's hypothesis was evidenced by several key observations: the fitting puzzle-like arrangement of continents, similarities in fossil records across continental boundaries, matching mountain ranges on separate continents, and evidence suggesting past climatic conditions (paleoclimate evidence) aligned with a unified landmass. Additionally, geological formations and structures, including the layers of rocks, provided insights into the dynamic history of Earth's surface, supporting the idea that continental drift had played a significant role in shaping the planet.
Through further understanding of plate tectonics, which came about in the 1960s, Wegener's ideas were expanded upon, giving a comprehensive explanation of why and how continents moved. Earth's geology, dominated by plate tectonics, provided a framework for understanding various phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building, all of which indirectly corroborated the idea of moving landmasses.