Plate Tectonics Evidence

Name:

Date:

Part 1: Evidence Analysis

I can analyze fossil and geologic feature maps to identify patterns that show continents were once connected.

1. Scientists found Mesosaurus fossils (an ancient reptile) in both South America and Africa. What does this suggest about these continents in the past?

The reptiles could swim across the Atlantic Ocean

The continents were once connected as one landmass

The fossils were placed there by humans

The ocean was much smaller in the past

2. Which of the following provide evidence for continental drift? (Check all that apply)

Matching fossils on different continents

Similar rock formations across oceans

The puzzle-like fit of continental coastlines

Different climates on each continent

3. Mountain ranges that line up across different continents suggest that:

Mountains form randomly around Earth

The continents were once joined and have since moved apart

Ocean currents carved the mountains

Volcanoes created all mountain ranges

4. Fill in the blank: The supercontinent that existed about 250 million years ago was called

_______________________________________________.

Part 2: Plate Boundary Features

I can describe how plate movements cause the formation of mountains, volcanoes, faults, and trenches.

5. Match each geological feature with how it forms:

Mountains

Ocean trenches

Volcanoes

Fault lines

Plates sliding past each other

One plate diving under another

Plates colliding and pushing upward

Hot magma rising through cracks

6. The deepest parts of the ocean are called _____________________________ and form where one tectonic plate slides beneath another.

7. Explain how the movement of tectonic plates creates earthquakes:

Part 3: Scientific Explanation

I can use multiple types of evidence to construct scientific explanations about Earth's geologic history.

8. Using evidence from fossils, rock formations, and continental shapes, write a scientific explanation for why scientists believe the continents have moved over time. Include at least two specific examples.

9. Extension Challenge: Research and describe (When and Where) one modern example of tectonic activity (earthquake, volcanic eruption, or mountain building) and explain which type of plate boundary caused it.