Evidence for Continental Drift: Coastlines of South America and Africa

The remarkable fit between the coastlines of South America and Africa is key evidence supporting Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift, proposed in 1912. Wegener argued that continents were once joined in a supercontinent called Pangaea and later drifted apart.

Supporting Evidence

• Coastline Fit: The continents' edges match so precisely that some geologists suggest they were once separated by only a few hundred meters.
• Fossil Distribution: Identical plant and animal fossils found on both continents, now separated by the Atlantic Ocean, indicate past connection.
• Geological Features: Matching rock formations and mountain ranges across the continents.

Initially controversial, Wegener's theory is now a cornerstone of modern geology, confirmed by plate tectonics.