Question

Who proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912?

• A. Isaac Newton
• B. Alfred Wegener
• C. Charles Darwin
• D. Alexander von Humboldt

Hint:

\textbf{Key Fact to Remember:} \textbf{1912 — Alfred Wegener — Continental Drift Theory} He proposed that all continents were once part of a supercontinent called \textbf{Pangaea}, which later split and drifted apart to form the present-day continents.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The Continental Drift Theory is an important theory in physical geography and geology that explains the movement of continents over geological time. It was first proposed in 1912 by the German meteorologist and geophysicist Alfred Wegener. According to this theory, the continents were once joined together to form a single large landmass known as Pangaea. Over millions of years, this supercontinent gradually broke apart and the individual continents slowly drifted to their present positions on the Earth's surface. Wegener presented this idea to explain the similarities in coastlines, fossils, and rock formations found on continents that are now separated by oceans.
Step 1: Understanding the Continental Drift Theory.
The theory states that:

• All continents were once part of a single supercontinent called Pangaea.
• Around 200 million years ago, Pangaea began to break apart.
• The fragments slowly drifted across the Earth's surface and formed the modern continents.

This gradual movement of continents is referred to as continental drift.
Step 2: Evidence provided by Wegener.
Alfred Wegener supported his theory with several types of evidence:

• Jigsaw Fit of Continents: The coastlines of continents such as South America and Africa appear to fit together like puzzle pieces.
• Fossil Evidence: Identical fossils of plants and animals have been discovered on continents that are now widely separated by oceans.
• Rock and Mountain Evidence: Similar rock structures and mountain ranges are found across different continents.
• Paleoclimatic Evidence: Evidence of ancient climates, such as glacial deposits in present-day tropical regions, supports the idea that continents were once located in different positions.

Step 3: Identifying the scientist who proposed the theory.
Among the given options:

• Isaac Newton was a physicist known for the laws of motion and gravitation.
• Charles Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
• Alexander von Humboldt was a geographer known for his contributions to biogeography.
• Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912.

Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \text{Alfred Wegener} \]