Plates Shape Continents Practice Test

A student makes this claim after looking at a map of Africa and South America and a mid-ocean ridge between them: “Because the continents don’t fit together like a perfect puzzle, they could not have moved. The ridge is just a random seafloor bump.” The map shows a ridge centered in the ocean and seafloor ages that are youngest at the ridge and older outward in matching bands on both sides. Which part of the student’s claim is incorrect based on the map evidence?

A map shows the outlines of Africa and South America and includes a mid-ocean ridge with symmetrical seafloor-age bands. A student argues: “The matching shapes prove the continents were connected, so the seafloor-age bands are unnecessary.” Which statement is the best evaluation of the student’s argument based on the map?

Remember: present-day shapes can change over time and may not match perfectly.