Scientific Method Continental Drift Activity

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Mount Royal University *

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1101

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Anthropology

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Apr 3, 2024

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Uploaded by BrigadierCapybara7317

GNED 1101 – Scientific Method Participation Activity – Plate Tectonics Instructions: Using pages 52-69 (4.3a & 4.3b) in your textbook, please discuss the following questions. 1. What was the prevailing view regarding the position of earth’s continents BEFORE the 1900’s? Was this a valid conclusion at the time? Explain. (Did the long-time evidence support this conclusion?) The prevailing view regarding the position of earth’s continents before the 1900’s was that land was formed on the third day of creation and has been fixed in time and place ever since, and all features are the result of erosion. This was a valid conclusion at the time because there were no other observations that were made. 2. What is meant by a “radical paradigm shift”? Why are people so resistant to a new idea? Can you think of any other radical paradigm shifts humanity has encountered? A radical paradigm shift is a change in thinking from an accepted point of view to a new belief. In this case, it was a shift from the original point of view of the earth to the one Wegener developed. People are so resistant to a new idea because they are unable to bring themselves to make a transition and form a new belief without evidence that will convince them that this new idea is the right idea. Another example of a paradigm shift is the changing view from a geocentric to a heliocentric view of our solar system. 3. What evidence did Wegener use to support his idea that the traditional explanation (described in question 1) was not valid? Describe at least 2. 4. What was Wegener’s hypothesis to explain the new evidence that did not fit the old theory? (hint: Distribution of Mesosaurus fossils)

5. What mechanism did Wegener’s Theory of Continental Drift propose to explain the evidence? Was this mechanism correct? Was it a valid argument at the time? Explain. 6. In light of the new 20 th century data, the Theory of Continental Drift has been modified. What is the name of the new and modified theory? Has this theory been proven to be true with 100% certainty? Explain.

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Scientific Method Continental Drift Activity

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