The document provides evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics. It describes how the continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea hundreds of millions of years ago. It presents fossils of the same species found on different continents separated by oceans, indicating the landmasses were once closer. Additionally, fossils of tropical plants have been found in arctic areas and signs of past glaciation have been discovered in currently warm climates of places like South Africa. The magnetic properties of rocks also show that continents have moved over time.

1. The Theory of
Plate Tectonics
Supporting Evidence

2. Pangaea
The coastlines of some continents appear to fit together like
a jigsaw puzzle.
Scientists propose that about 300 million years ago, the
continents were joined together into one single landmass
(or supercontinent) called Pangaea.
Over tens of millions of years, Pangaea began to break
apart, moving the continents to their current locations.
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3. Fossils
• Scientists have found fossils of the same species on
different continents (separated by oceans).
• This implies that these landmasses were once closer
together to allow the species to travel between
continents.
*One example is the freshwater reptile, Mesosaurus, with
fossils found in both South America and Africa*
Images Public Domain (CC0)

4. Fossils and Climate
• Fossils of tropical plants have been found on islands in
the Arctic Ocean, indicating that the climate of was
warmer at one time.
• Deep scratches in rocks that could only be caused by
the movement of glaciers have been found in South
Africa. Today’s climate of South Africa is way too mild to
for glaciers.
Public Domain (CC0)
Public Domain (CC0)
Click the image of the stone to
learn about the Petoskey Stone
found in Michigan.

5. Magnetism
• Some rocks have a magnetic North and magnetic
South which is established when the rock is formed.
• If the continents had remained fixed in place, then the
magnetic North and South of all rocks would match the
Earth. However, this is not the case.
• There are many locations where the magnetic North
and South of rocks do NOT match that of the Earth.