AIM: To see how the “jigsaw puzzle” pattern of the continents supports the theory of Continental Drift.
PROCEDURE
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On the”cut-out page” cut out the continents along the dotted lines.
On a separate paper, fit together to form one large landmass. Lines A and B should match up with their
counterparts on the other continents
Glue or tape the continents it the separate paper.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. According to this lab, what was the inferred motion of North America relative to Africa that occurred 200
to 130 million years ago?
The two continents moved in completely opposite ways going northwest and southeast
2. According to the maps of continents drift sequence, how has the position of North America relative to the
equator changed over the last 200 million years?
North America was closer to the equator 200 million years ago compared to its position
far away from the equator 130 million years ago.
2. Referring to the maps of continental drift sequences, compare the climate of the northeastern United
States 200 million years ago to that of today.
200 million years ago, the northeast U.S had Warm hot summers and warm winters,
compared to the warm summers and cold winters that occur now.
4. Where in the U.S is there measurable evidence that the continents are moving relative to one another?
5.
What could explain the existence of coal deposits in Antarctica?
Antarctica was once part of the Pangaea where plants and animals once lived on