Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of continental drift?

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of continental drift?

• A. Similar rock formations on different continents
• B. Fossils of the same species found on several continents
• C. Mountains moving independently
• D. Correlating glacial evidence across warm regions

Answer: (C)

Continental drift, a theory initially proposed by Alfred Wegener, suggests that continents have moved over geological time and that this movement has shaped the Earth's surface. The characteristics mentioned in the choices all relate to the evidence supporting this theory. The identification of mountains moving independently is not a characteristic of continental drift. Instead, the concept of continental drift focuses on the movement of entire landmasses that were once joined and have since separated. If mountains were moving independently, it would imply that they are not part of a larger tectonic framework that connects continents. The other options illustrate key evidence of continental drift, such as similar geological formations and fossils found across continents, as well as glacial evidence that suggests continents used to be situated differently relative to the poles. Therefore, the choice that mentions mountains moving independently does not align with the foundational principles of continental drift, establishing it as the correct choice for what is NOT a characteristic of this theory.

Continental drift, a theory initially proposed by Alfred Wegener, suggests that continents have moved over geological time and that this movement has shaped the Earth's surface. The characteristics mentioned in the choices all relate to the evidence supporting this theory.

The identification of mountains moving independently is not a characteristic of continental drift. Instead, the concept of continental drift focuses on the movement of entire landmasses that were once joined and have since separated. If mountains were moving independently, it would imply that they are not part of a larger tectonic framework that connects continents. The other options illustrate key evidence of continental drift, such as similar geological formations and fossils found across continents, as well as glacial evidence that suggests continents used to be situated differently relative to the poles.

Therefore, the choice that mentions mountains moving independently does not align with the foundational principles of continental drift, establishing it as the correct choice for what is NOT a characteristic of this theory.