Which of the following was NOT a source of evidence used by Wegener for continental drift?

Which of the following was NOT a source of evidence used by Wegener for continental drift?

• A. Fossil evidence
• B. Climate evidence
• C. Geological formations
• D. Magnetic fields

Answer: (D)

Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was supported by several key pieces of evidence that he utilized to argue his case for the movement of continents over geological time. Fossil evidence pointed to similar species found on widely separated continents, suggesting that these landmasses were once joined. Climate evidence showed that today's climates on certain continents align with past conditions found in the rock record, indicating that landmasses have shifted over time. Geological formations, such as mountain ranges and rock types, displayed continuity across continents, further supporting the idea that they were once part of a larger landmass. In contrast, magnetic fields were not part of Wegener's original theory. The concept of magnetic fields and their relevance to plate tectonics was developed later, particularly with the advent of the theory of plate tectonics and the discovery of seafloor spreading in the mid-20th century. This process involves the recording of Earth's magnetic history through the orientation of magnetic minerals in rocks, which provides insights into how continents have drifted over time. Therefore, magnetic fields were not a source of evidence for Wegener's continental drift theory.

Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was supported by several key pieces of evidence that he utilized to argue his case for the movement of continents over geological time. Fossil evidence pointed to similar species found on widely separated continents, suggesting that these landmasses were once joined. Climate evidence showed that today's climates on certain continents align with past conditions found in the rock record, indicating that landmasses have shifted over time. Geological formations, such as mountain ranges and rock types, displayed continuity across continents, further supporting the idea that they were once part of a larger landmass.

In contrast, magnetic fields were not part of Wegener's original theory. The concept of magnetic fields and their relevance to plate tectonics was developed later, particularly with the advent of the theory of plate tectonics and the discovery of seafloor spreading in the mid-20th century. This process involves the recording of Earth's magnetic history through the orientation of magnetic minerals in rocks, which provides insights into how continents have drifted over time. Therefore, magnetic fields were not a source of evidence for Wegener's continental drift theory.