Question

Who proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912?

• A. Isaac Newton
• B. Alfred Wegener
• C. Charles Darwin
• D. Alexander von Humboldt

Hint:

\textbf{Key Fact to Remember:} \textbf{1912 — Alfred Wegener — Continental Drift Theory} He proposed that all continents were once part of a supercontinent called \textbf{Pangaea}, which later split and drifted apart to form the present-day continents.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Continental Drift Theory suggests that the Earth's continents have moved over geologic time relative to each other, appearing to have "drifted" across the ocean bed.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist and geophysicist, formally proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912.
He hypothesized that all modern continents were once united in a single supercontinent called "Pangea" (meaning "all earth").
Pangea was surrounded by a massive global ocean called "Panthalassa".
He used evidence like the jigsaw fit of continents, matching fossil records across oceans, and paleoclimatic evidence to support his theory.
Isaac Newton is known for the laws of motion and gravity.
Charles Darwin is known for the theory of evolution by natural selection.
Alexander von Humboldt was a pioneer of physical geography and biogeography.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift Theory.