Question

Fossils of Glossopteris, an extinct fern, were discovered on which continents to support the theory of continental drift? Check all that apply. Africa Eurasia Australia Antarctica North America.

Answer 1

Accordin to Du Toit's list supporting the theory of continental drift, the correct options are A, C, ad D. Fossils of Glossopteris were discovered on Africa, Australia, and Antarctica.

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Before answering the question, let us first review some theoretical frameworks,

• The tectonic plates theory explains the movement of the different plates based on the crust movements.

• The continental drift theory explains how these movements have been taking place for millions of years.

Alfred Wegener was the first one to state the concept of continental drift.

He proposed that once all continents were together a single big continent named Pangea, and with time, they split and separated into many pieces.

The geologist Du Toit published in 1937 a list of 10 pieces of evidence that would support the theory of tectonic plates and continental drift.

Du Toit's list includes evidence of Gondwana glaciation, lithological and structural evidence, plates fitting together, and paleontological evidence.

Paleontological evidence

• Plant and animal fossils distribution suggests the existence of a big unique continent. When reconstructing the supercontinent, the areas where these fossils were found get together in the same supercontinental region.

• Glossopteris (fern) impressions are widely distributed in determined areas of Africa, South America, India, Australia and Antarctica.

• Terrestrial vertebrate fossils also support the theory. The presence of Triassic tetrapods in all continents suggests terrestrial corridors between landmasses.

Finding Glossopteris in Australia, India, South America, Antarctica and Africa suggests that continents were once together, and these species used to live in the same region.

With time, these continents diverged and got separated by the oceans. The region where Glossopteris used to live got divided.

The correct options are A, C, and D. Africa, Australia, Antarctica.

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You can learn more about Glossopteris at    

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