The Puzzle of the Continents
Introduction
The continents on a map have shapes that almost fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. This phenomenon has led many to wonder about the possibility of the continents being connected at some point in history. How does modern science explain this intriguing observation?
Scientific Explanation
Scientists believe that a long time ago the seven continents might have been connected in a supercontinent known as Pangaea. This supercontinent gradually broke apart into smaller landmasses that eventually drifted to their current positions on Earth. The movement of the continents is attributed to the theory of plate tectonics, which suggests that the Earth's outer shell is divided into several large plates that float on the underlying mantle.
Question: How do scientists explain the puzzle-like fitting of the continents on a map? Answer: Scientists believe that the continents were once connected in a supercontinent called Pangaea. The movement of the continents is explained by the theory of plate tectonics, where the Earth's outer shell is divided into large plates that drift over time.