Which evidence did Wegener use that involved similarities between fossil finds across continents?

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 used evidence from the distribution of certain fossil species to support his theory of continental drift, focusing specifically on the find of seed ferns and reptiles across different continents. The presence of identical or closely related fossils of these plants and animals on continents that are now widely separated indicates that these landmasses were once joined together, allowing these species to inhabit a continuous area. For instance, fossils of the seed fern Glossopteris have been found in South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia, suggesting a connection when these continents were part of a single supercontinent, Pangaea.

This fossil correlation provided significant evidence for the idea that continents have shifted positions over geological time. Other options, while interesting, involve groups of organisms not central to Wegener's primary evidence for continental drift. Seed ferns and reptiles specifically highlighted the patterns of distribution that could not be explained by land bridges or local migration, reinforcing the concept of continental movement.

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