Evidence supporting the continental drift theory

Key pieces of evidence include:

• Fit of the Continents: The striking resemblance of the coastlines of continents, particularly the west coast of Africa and the east coast of South America, suggests they once fit together like puzzle pieces.
• Fossil Evidence: Identical fossil species (e.g., Mesosaurus, Lystrosaurus, Glossopteris) have been found on continents now separated by vast oceans, indicating these landmasses were once connected.
• Rock and Mountain Correlation: Similar rock types, geological structures, and mountain ranges (e.g., the Appalachian Mountains in North America and the Caledonian Mountains in Europe) are found on different continents, suggesting they formed as part of a continuous landmass.
• Paleoclimate Evidence: Evidence of ancient climates, such as glacial deposits and striations found in present-day tropical regions (e.g., South America, Africa, India, Australia), and coal deposits (formed from tropical vegetation) found in Antarctica, indicates that these landmasses were once located in different climatic zones.