Question

Which of the following statements does NOT support the Pangaea theory? (A) Identical deposits of minerals have been found at corresponding locations along both the African and South American coasts. (B) The shape of the west coast of Africa seems to fit perfectly with the shape of the east coast of South America. (C) Paleontologists have discovered matching fossils from identical species of land animals at corresponding locations along both the African and South American coasts. (D) The Big Bang theory states that all matter in the universe expanded outward from the same point in space.

Short answer

Statement (D) does NOT support the Pangaea theory, as it is related to the origin of the universe, not the formation and breakup of continents on Earth.

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing statement (A)

Statement (A) says that identical deposits of minerals have been found at corresponding locations along both the African and South American coasts. This statement supports the Pangaea theory, as it indicates that Africa and South America were once joined together in the supercontinent.

Analyzing statement (B)

Statement (B) mentions that the shape of the west coast of Africa seems to fit perfectly with the shape of the east coast of South America. This statement also supports the Pangaea theory, as the similar shapes of the coastlines imply that these two continents were once connected.

Analyzing statement (C)

Statement (C) discusses that paleontologists have discovered matching fossils from identical species of land animals at corresponding locations along both the African and South American coasts. This statement supports the Pangaea theory as well, because the presence of identical fossils in different continents indicates they were once part of the same landmass.

Analyzing statement (D)

Finally, statement (D) says that the Big Bang theory states that all matter in the universe expanded outward from the same point in space. This statement does NOT support the Pangaea theory, as it is related to the origin of the universe, not the formation and breakup of continents on Earth. Based on the analysis, we can conclude that statement (D) is the one that does NOT support the Pangaea theory.

Key concepts

Continental Drift

The theory of continental drift revolutionized our understanding of the Earth's structure. Initially proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912, this theory suggests that the continents were once part of a large supercontinent known as Pangaea. Over millions of years, Pangaea slowly split apart, and the continents drifted to their current positions.

Several pieces of evidence support this theory:

• Continents fit together like puzzle pieces, notably the west coast of Africa and the east coast of South America.
• Identical geological formations are found on continents now separated by oceans.
• Similar biological species are discovered on different continents, hinting at a shared past.

Wegener's theory faced skepticism at first since he couldn't explain the force that moved the continents. However, later discoveries, such as plate tectonics, provided the needed mechanism and cemented the theory's credibility.

Fossil Evidence

One of the strongest supports for the Pangaea theory comes from fossil evidence. Paleontologists have found similar fossils of plant and animal species on continents currently separated by vast oceans. This suggests that these continents were once connected.

Examples of Fossil Evidence:

• Mesosaurus: This small freshwater reptile's fossils are found in both South America and Africa, implying a historical land connection.
• Glossopteris flora: The spread of this plant's fossils across South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia indicates these landmasses were once contiguous.
• Cynognathus and Lystrosaurus: These prehistoric reptiles were found in Africa, South America, and Antarctica, supporting the idea of Pangaea.

Fossils play a key role in this theory by providing tangible evidence that aligns with models of prehistoric continental arrangements, reinforcing that the continents have drifted over time.

Geological Formations

Geological formations across different continents often reflect patterns only explainable by past connections. Mountains, rock layers, and mineral deposits serve as clues to continental drift.

Consistent Geological Formations:

• The Appalachian Mountains in North America line up with mountains in Scotland and Scandinavia, suggesting these regions were once joined.
• There are matching rock strata in South Africa and Brazil, hinting at a once-unified landmass.
• Coal deposits found in both North America and Europe suggest identical ancient swamp environments under similar conditions.

Understanding these geological connections through the lens of Pangaea helps explain why similar natural structures and materials exist on continents now separated by large oceans. This reinforces the idea of continental drift as a central geologic process.