What geological evidence did Wegener cite for continental drift?

Study for the Aquatic Science Plate Tectonics Test. Explore comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by insights and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Wegener cited the presence of similar fossils found on widely separated continents as a significant piece of geological evidence for continental drift. This idea stemmed from observing that identical species of plants and animals appeared on continents that are now separated by vast oceans. For instance, fossils of the freshwater reptile Mesosaurus have been found in both South America and Africa, which would be highly improbable if these land masses had always been separated and stable. This evidence supported the notion that the continents were once connected in a single landmass, which later split apart and drifted to their current positions. The similar fossils indicated that these regions shared a common biological heritage, lending credence to the theory of continental drift as proposed by Wegener. This approach was pivotal in the field of paleobiogeography, demonstrating how the distribution of species could be explained by the movement of continents over geological time.

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