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MAINS 2013
GS1
5 marks

What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support.

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4 min
100 words
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What the examiner wants

Explain Wegener's continental drift theory and the main evidence for it.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Theory: Wegener (1912-15); Pangaea broke into Laurasia and Gondwanaland; Panthalassa ocean≈10 words
  2. 2Evidence: jigsaw fit of coastlines (South America-Africa)≈10 words
  3. 3Geological match: rock belts and mountain ranges across oceans≈10 words
  4. 4Fossils: Glossopteris flora, Mesosaurus; tillite glacial deposits in India, Africa, Australia≈10 words
  5. 5Weakness: forces proposed were inadequate; later plate tectonics explained the mechanism≈10 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

TheoryEvidence pointsWeaknessLink to plate tectonics

Where marks usually go

  • Writing plate tectonics in place of drift
  • Missing the theory's weakness

Draw this

  • Map of Pangaea with fossil distribution bands

Value addition

  • StudyBullard's computer fit (1965) matched continents at the 1,000-fathom line.Bullard, 1965
  • FossilMesosaurus fossils occur only in Brazil and South Africa.Palaeontology

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