Name:_______________________________ #_______Date: ________________ Hour:_____
Center #5: Far Flung Fossils
Part I Explore Directions: Follow the steps below.
1. Lay out the “red” continents first. Each colored set represents a different period in
geologic time.
2. Examine the fossils shown on each of the continents when they were semiconnected as “Gondwanaland”. Use the fossil catalog to identify the name of each
fossil.
3. Record the fossil names on the data sheet (one per group) in the different time
periods.
4. After you finish with the red continents, do the same with the yellow, green, and blue.
Part II Analysis Directions: AFTER having completed the data chart and your expedition,
answer the analysis questions below.
1. On the basis of what you found in the red rocks (continents):
A. Which continents had similar fossils?
B. From this fossil evidence, which continents seem to have been connected 300
million years ago?
2. On the basis of what you found in the yellow rocks (continents):
A. Which continents had similar fossils?
B. From this fossil evidence, which continents seem to have been connected 200
million years ago?
3. On the basis of what you found in the green rocks (continents):
A. Which continents had similar fossils?
B. From this fossil evidence, which continents seem to have been connected 100
million years ago?
4. Which set of rocks (continents) are from the most recent period in geologic time?
Part III Summary Directions: AFTER you have answered the analysis questions, completely
answer the summary questions below.
1. Who is the scientist responsible for developing the theory of continental drift?
2. Describe the patterns you found in the red, yellow, and green rocks (continents):
3. List the three pieces of evidence that support the theory of continental drift (Hint- refer back
to a data table from the Chapter 17 Plate Tectonics Guided Reading):
4. Explain two reasons why so many people reject the theory of continental drift: