10 Department of Education

National Capital Region

SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE
MARIKINA CITY

Science
Quarter 1 – Module 5:
Evidences of Plate Movement

Writer: Daniel C. Villanueva

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 What I Need to Know

The purpose of this module is to help you understand the evidences that
support plate movements. The module is divided into two lessons, namely:
 Lesson 1 – Evidences of Continental Drift
 Lesson 2 – Magnetic Stripping and Magnetic Reversal
After going through this module, you are expected to enumerate the lines of
evidence that support plate movement (S10ES – Ia-j-36.6)
Specifically, you are expected to:
1. trace the existence of fossils of plants and animals as evidences found in the
present continents that supports the fitting of drifted continents;
2. cite other proofs of Continental Drift Theory, and;
3. explain how magnetic stripping and magnetic reversal on the seafloor
provides evidence for seafloor spreading.

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 What I Know
Read and answer each question. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which type of evidence was NOT used by Alfred Wegener to support his
continental drift theory?
A. fossils
B. glaciers
C. landforms
D. human remains

2. The following continents contain glacial deposits which suggest that they
were once connected EXCEPT
A. Asia
B. Europe
C. Antarctica
D. South America

3. According to Alfred Wegener, two continents seemed perfectly fit when

placed near each other. Which continent fits with Africa?
A. Australia
B. Antarctica
C. South America
D. North America

4. Any trace of preserved remains of an organism is called a ______________.

A. landform
B. landmass
C. evidence
D. fossil

5. Which statement does NOT serve as an evidence for Wegener's hypothesis of

continental drift?
A. Similar fossils are found along continental margins that fit together.
B. Glacial deposits are found in tropical and subtropical zones.
C. Similar fossils of giant, land-dwelling dinosaurs are found on
continents separated by oceans.
D. Varying rock layers are found in different continents.

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6. All the statements support Wegener’s theory of continental drift EXCEPT
A. Glacial deposits found in Antarctica were also found in Africa and
India.
B. A variety of samples of rocks from South America and Africa were
different from each other.
C. Fossils of the Lystrosaurus were found in Antarctica, South America,
and Africa.
D. The edges of the eastern side of South America and western side of
Africa match together.

7. An evidence that supports Wegener’s Theory of Continental Drift is that ____.

A. major rivers on different continents match
B. major continents are still connected by land bridges
C. the different continents still have the same magnetic directions
D. fossils of the same organism have been found on different continent

8. It is an event in which Earth’s magnetic field changes direction

A. polarity reversal
B. magnetic reversal
C. polar reversal
D. field reversal

9. Which is TRUE about the polarity of rocks that solidified from mid-oceanic
ridges?
A. Solidified rocks polarity opposes the Earth’s magnetic field.
B. Solidified rocks align its magnetic field with the Earth’s magnetic
field.
C. Solidified rocks polarity differs from the Earth’s magnetic field.
D. All of the statements are true.

10. How does magnetic stripping on the seafloor provide evidence of seafloor
spreading?
A. Rocks found in different areas from the oceanic ridge show different
polarity at different times.
B. Rocks found far from the ridge are younger compared to those found
near it suggesting formation at different times.
C. The magnetic polarity of the old and young rocks found in the ocean
floor are the same.
D. Rocks of the same age found on the seafloor with different magnetic
polarity.

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Lesson
Evidences of Continental Drift
1

What’s In

Let us now find out how much you remembered from your previous lesson about
Continental Drift Theory. Complete the graphic organizer by writing your answers
on a separate sheet of paper.

was proposed by
1. 2.

explains that the Earth’s

continents were once part
of a huge landmass called

3.

was divided into two

sub-continents
know as

4. 5.

What’s New

Activity: Evidences of Continental Drift

Objective:
Determine the evidences that support the continental drift theory of Alfred
Wegener.

You will need:

Coloring materials Puzzle pieces handout
Glue Bond paper
Pair of scissors

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Directions:
1. Secure a photocopy of the puzzle pieces handout (see Figure A).
2. On the puzzle pieces handout
a. Assign a color to each type of fossil and mountain belt in the legend
b. Color the areas on the landmasses according to the legend.
3. Use scissors to cut along the borders of the continents. These are the
approximate shape of the continents after Pangaea broke up.
4. Place the continents on a piece of bond paper and move them around using
the fossil and mountain chain evidence to match the continents together in
the position they were in when they were part of Pangaea. The pieces may
not fit together exactly!
5. When you have assembled Pangaea based on the fossil and rock locations,
glue the continents on your bond paper to fit the shape of the
supercontinent. Glue the legend to your puzzle.
6. Answer the guide questions. Write it on a separate sheet of paper.

Guide Questions:
1. Which two (2) continents have the most noticeable fit?
2. How was the chain of evidence helpful in deciding where to move the
continents?
3. Why do the present shapes of continents fail to fit perfectly into a
supercontinent?
4. What fossils occur in most landmasses?
What does this suggest about the idea of a supercontinent?
Can it sufficiently support the existence of Pangaea?

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 Retrieved
from

https://www.usgs.gov/media/files/plate-tectonics-lesson-bundle
Figure A. Puzzle Pieces Handout

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 What Is It
Alfred Wegener suggested that the continents were all originally part of a
huge landmass called Pangaea that was surrounded by a single ocean,
Panthalassa. Pangaea existed about 300 million to 200 million years ago and then
the continents slowly drifted to their present locations.

He gathered evidences to support his continental drift theory. He studied the

world map to see how each continent fits a single shape, mapped the distribution
of plant and animal fossils in different continents, rock features, and ancient
climates. Let us dig dipper on these evidences.

Evidence of Geographical “Fit”

For many scientists that time, it is difficult
to accept that the continents that are separated by
thousands of miles were once connected pieces of
Pangaea.

One fascinating and most visible evidence

that these continents were once one is their shape.
If you will examine the continents of South
America and Africa in your activity, you will be
surprised that their edges match one another –
South America and Africa fit together. Eurasia and
North America match one another, and Antarctica, Figure A . Geographic Fitting of South
America and Africa
Australia and Southern Asia completes the puzzle.
Just like a jigsaw puzzle, these seven continents fit with each other to form
Pangaea.

Evidence from Fossils

Wegener investigated the distant past and
tried to gather evidences from fossils to support his
theory.
Fossils are preserved remains or traces of
organisms from the past. Wegener found out that
fossilized leaves of an extinct plant Glossopteris
(shown in Figure B) were in 250 million years old
rocks. These fossils were in different continents Glossopteris fossil seed fern leaves in claystone
such as Southern Africa, Australia, India, and by James St. John is licensed under CC BY
Figure B Glossopteris Fossil
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Antarctica, which are now separated from each other by oceans. It is not possible
for the seeds of this plant to travel a long journey by wind or survive a rough ride
through the ocean waves.
Another discovery that supports Wegener’s theory was the identification of
freshwater reptile Mesosaurus (found across South Africa and southern South
America) and land reptile Lystrosaurus (found in a band across current India,
Antarctica, and central Africa). These reptiles lived about 200 million years ago. It
was a big wonder why their bones were found in Africa and South America, and the
teeth in Antarctica when it is impossible for these reptiles to swim over the huge
oceans and move from one mainland to another.
Evidence from Rocks
From the previous evidences, you have learned that the African and South
American continental edge fits together. Wegener found out that distinct rock types
were found in both continents. Rock formations in Africa line up with that in South
America as if it was a long mountain range. Fossils found in rocks provide evidence
that continents drifted apart from each other. For example, deformed rocks of Cape
Fold of South Africa are similar to rocks found in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Evidence from Glacial Deposits

Aside from rocks Wegener plotted
250 million-year-old glacial deposits on a
map showing the modern distribution of
continents. He found out that glacial
deposits are found in Antarctica, Africa,
South America, India, and Australia.
If the continents have not moved,
then this would suggest an ice sheet that
extended from the South Pole to the
equator at this time.
Glacial striations or scratches on
the bedrock showed that the movement Past glaciation explained by continental drift by USGS is
of the rocks is outwards from a central licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
Figure C. Glaciation
point in Southern Africa.

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 What’s More

On the Analyzing Evidence activity, read the statement in each box and check
whether the statement is an evidence that supports continental drift. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Analyzing Evidence: Continental

Drift

Does it serve as
an evidence for
continental
Statements drift?
Yes No
1. In 1858, Geologist Eduard Seuss pointed out that fossils of
the Glossopteris plant are found in Southern Africa, South
America, Australia, Antarctica, and India.
2. Wegener analyzed the location of rocks and the path of grooves
formed by huge icy masses scraping across southern territories
of Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and India. He
stated that if all these places were connected, they would create
an uninterrupted ice sheet growing outward in all directions.
3. Frankfurt News reported that Alfred Wegener will speak at
the Geological Association meeting.
4. Popular Geology magazine reported that continents were massive
and must have been where they are.
5. Wegener inferred that mountain ranges in South America line
up with an ancient African mountain range in South Africa. He
concluded that the pieces of evidence from these mountain
ranges give the idea that they were in fact joined before.
6. Geologist Alexander du Toit in 1927 studied rock layers on
the west coasts of Africa. He discovered an almost identical
sequence of rock layers on the eastern coast of South
America.
7. In 1944, Geologist Baily Willis called Wegener’s theory a fairy
tale. He argued that the theory should be ignored.
8. Geologist Edward Bullard in 1965 used computers to match
coasts of South America and Africa and concluded that they
match extremely well at an ocean depth of 1000 m.
9. In 1980, satellites and lasers were used to measure the
movement of continents. They continue to move at an average
of about 2 cm (0.8 in) per year.
10. Fossils of Megascolecine earthworms are found in South
America, Africa, India, and Australia, as well as the islands of
Madagascar and New Guinea.

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 What I Have Learned

Read and answer each question based on what you have learned from the
evidences that supports Wegener’s continental drift theory. Write your answers on
a separate sheet of paper.

How does the following idea support continental drift?

A. Fossils
B. Rock
C. Glacial deposits

What I Can Do

As a student, evaluate Wegener's hypothesis based on the evidence you have

learned. Write a 'position paper' on whether the evidence of the theory of
continental drift is compelling and conclusive enough for scientific acceptance. Use
the rubrics bellow as your guide in writing your paper.

Note: A position paper presents one side of an arguable opinion about an

issue. The goal of a position paper is to convince the audience that
your opinion is valid and defensible. The paper will show your stand
and opinion on the theory of continental drift.

Introduction (5 points)
Clear thesis statement and clear description of policy issue under review. Writer's
position is not in doubt with persuasive initial presentation of argument.
Paragraph leads to natural discussion of supporting arguments.

Content (5 points)
Body includes at least three complete paragraphs. The purpose and arguments are
clearly stated and conveyed to the reader.

Conclusion (5 points)
Paragraph clearly summarizes the paper's main assertions and clarifies the main
issues under discussion. Thesis is restated in a more compelling fashion, with a
suggested course of action suggested based on the evidence.

Proofreading and Grammar (5 points)

Writing is with clear proofreading and correct grammar and punctuation.
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 Assessment
Identify the word/s described in each number. Write your answers on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. The edges of these two continents perfectly fit with each other
2. These are scratches caused by movement of glaciers which are found in different
continents.
3. Bones of these reptiles are found in the continents of Africa and South America,
and the teeth in Antarctica
4. A giant fern fossil found in continents of Southern Africa, Australia, India, and
Antarctica.
5. These are preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past

Additional Activity

In your own idea, why are evidences important for expert detectives and scientists?
How does it help them? Explain briefly your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

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Lesson Magnetic Stripping & Magnetic
2 Reversals

What’s In

Write TRUE if the underlined word makes the statement correct. If the underlined
word makes the statement wrong, change it to make it correct. Write your answers
on a separate answer sheet.

1. Younger rocks can be found far from the mid-oceanic ridge.

2. Rocks are being pushed away from mid-oceanic ridge as magma flows
out of it.
3. New continental crusts are constantly made at mid-oceanic ridges.

What’s New

In the graph, each dark band represents a “normal” polarity of the magnetic field.
Each light band represents a “reverse” polarity of the magnetic field. Normal
polarity rocks have a positive virtual geomagnetic poles (VGP) while reversed
polarity rocks have negative VGP. Use the graph to answer the questions that
follow. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
Reversals of Earth’s Magnetic Field

Guide Questions:
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 1. Was Earth’s magnetic field normal or reversed 65 million years ago?
2. If magnetic reversals are recorded on the seafloor, what kind of rock must
the seafloor be made of?
3. What do you notice about the magnetic stripe pattern on each side of the
oceanic ridge?
4. What does this pattern suggest about how the seafloor forms?
5. If for every 1 km distance from the ridge corresponds to 10 years, when
was the last reversed magnetic field of the Earth?

What Is It

Magnetism plays a significant role in supporting the concept of seafloor

spreading. In the early 20th century, the process of seafloor spreading is visualized
by the scientists with the help of magnetism.
Magnetic reversals happened over and over in the past. The existence of
magnetic reversals can be explained through the magnetic patterns in rocks found
on the ocean floor. When magma hardens, iron bearing minerals crystallize. The
crystallized minerals behave like tiny compasses and align with the Earth’s
magnetic field. The magnetic minerals in magma will line up either pointing north
or pointing south, depending on the magnetic field at the time. But once the
magma solidifies, the minerals are locked into place and as such can record the
reversals of Earth's magnetic field. The result of this are stripes of magnetic
minerals that parallel the mid-ocean ridges.
When a magnetic reversal happens, there is also a shift in the polarity of
the rocks. This allowed scientists to visualize the magnetic stripes in the ocean
floor (as shown in Figure A), and to construct a magnetic polarity time scale (as
shown in Figure B).

Paleomagnetism by USGS is licensed under CC BY-SA Magnetic Profile by W. Jacquelyne Kious and Robert I. Tilling is licensed
Figure A. Magnetic Stripes under CC BY-SA
Figure B. Magnetic Polarity Time Scale
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 Scientists suggested that the magnetism of the ocean floor around mid-
ocean ridges are divided into matching “stripes” on either side of the ridge. When
magma cools, specific magnetism of basalt rock is determined by the Earth’s
magnetic field. Scientists agree that the same process formed the completely
symmetrical stripes on both sides of a mid-ocean ridge. The orderly pattern of
stripes are separated by the continuous process of seafloor spreading.
When scientists measured the age of seafloor rocks, they found that younger
rocks are closer to the mid-ocean ridges, and older rocks are found closer to
trenches. These two pieces of evidence support the idea that the seafloor spreading
is valid by showing that the seafloor is not all the same age and is constantly being
created at mid ocean ridges and destroyed in subduction zones.

What’s More

How often does the Earth’s magnetic field reverse itself? The graph shows a
hypothetical record of Earth’s reversal for the past 65 million years.
In the graph, each dark band represents a normal magnetic field while each light
band shows a reversed magnetic field. Use the graph to answer the questions that
follow. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
Record of Earth’s Magnetic Reversal

Guide Questions:

1. What is the orientation of the Earth’s magnetic field 65 million years

ago?
2. About how long ago was the last reversal of the Earth’s magnetic field?
3. How long was the longest reversal of the Earth’s magnetic field?
4. When will be the next reversal of the Earth’s magnetic field based on the
records shown? Explain your answer

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 What I Have Learned
Direction: Complete each statement in the paragraph below. Choose your answer
from the words in the box. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

parallel crystallize
compasses reversals
mid–oceanic ridges aligned

As magma wells up at the __________1_________ and iron-bearing minerals

solidify and _________2__________. These crystallized minerals behave like tiny
_________3__________ and align with the Earth’s magnetic field. The magnetic
minerals in magma line up either point north or point south, depending on the
magnetic field at that time.

Once the magma solidifies, the minerals are locked into place and can
record _________4__________ of Earth’s magnetic field. The results of this are stripes
of magnetic minerals that are _________5__________ with the mid-ocean ridges.

What I Can Do

You know that the Earth is a big magnet. This big magnet protects us from
harmful radiation and its magnetic field is useful in providing directions. If the
magnetic poles of the Earth suddenly flip, what do you think will be its effects on
the following:
1. Travelers that use compass;
2. Pilots that use magnetism for navigation, and;
3. Sea and ocean navigations.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Assessment

Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE is the statement is wrong. Write
your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Cooled crustal rock moving outward from the Mid-Atlantic ridge retains a
record of the Earth's magnetic field.
2. Rocks found near the mid-oceanic ridge are older compared those found
far from it.

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 3. Cooled rocks that has moved out from oceanic ridges aligned their
magnetic field with the Earth.
4. The magnetic stripe pattern from both sides of an oceanic ridge is the
same.
5. Seafloors are either created or destroyed.

Additional Activity

What if the Earth’s magnetic field suddenly flip? What effects are we going to
experience? Your task is to visit https://www.livescience.com/18426-earth-
magnetic-poles-flip.html, read the article by Natalie Wolchover entitled “What If The
Earth’s Magnetic Poles Flip?” and answer the following questions. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What will the living organisms experience if magnetic poles flip?
2. What is/are the proof/s that the planet is heading towards magnetic
reversal?

Posttest

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Which type of evidence was NOT used by Alfred Wegener to support his
continental drift theory?
A. human remains
B. landforms
C. glaciers
D. fossils

2. The following continents contain glacial deposits which suggest that they
were once connected EXCEPT:
A. South America
B. Antarctica
C. Europe
D. Asia

3. According to Alfred Wegener, two continents seemed perfectly fit when

placed near each other. Which continent fits with South America?
A. North America C. Australia
B. Antarctica D. Africa
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4. Any trace of preserved remains of an organism is called a ______________
A. landform C. evidence
B. land mass D. fossil

5. How does fossil evidence support Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift?

A. Similar fossils of giant, land-dwelling dinosaurs are found on
continents separated by oceans.
B. Similar fossils are found along continental margins that fit together.
C. Glacial deposits are found in tropical and subtropical zones.
D. all of the above

6. All the statements support Wegener’s theory of continental drift EXCEPT

A. The variety of samples of rocks from South America and Africa were
different from each other.
B. The edges of the eastern side of South America and the western side
of Africa fit together.
C. Fossils of the Lystrosaurus were found in Antarctica, South America,
and Africa.
D. Glacial deposits found in Antarctica were also found in Africa and
India.

7. An evidence that supports Wegener’s theory of continental drift is that ____.

A. fossils of the same organism have been found on different continent
B. the same magnetic directions exist on different continents
C. land bridges still exist that connect major continents
D. major rivers on different continents match

8. It is an event in which the Earth’s magnetic field changes direction

A. Polar reversal
B. Field reversal
C. Polarity reversal
D. Magnetic reversal

9. Which is TRUE about the polarity of rocks that solidified from mid-ocean
ridges?
A. Solidified rocks polarity opposes the Earth’s magnetic field.
B. Solidified rocks polarity differs from the Earth’s magnetic field.
C. Solidified rocks align its magnetic field with the Earth’s magnetic
field.
D. All of the statements are true.

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10. How magnetic stripping on the seafloor does provide evidence of seafloor
spreading?
A. Rocks found far from the ridge are younger compared to those found
near it suggesting formation at a different time.
B. Rocks found in different areas of the oceanic ridge show different
polarity at different times.
C. Magnetic polarities of the old and young rocks found on the ocean
floor are the same.
D. The same age of rocks is found on the seafloor with different magnetic
polarities.

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 DISCIPLINE • GOOD TASTE • EXCELLENCE
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What’s In What’s More Assessment
1. Older 1. Reversed 1. True
2. True 2. 1.5 million years 2. False
3. Oceanic 3. 3 million years 3. True
4. Students answer may 4. True
vary. 5. True
What’s New
1. Normal What I have Learned
2. Basalt rocks
3. They are similar and of 1. Mid-oceanic ridges
the same distance from 2. Crystallize
the oceanic-ridge. 3. Compasses
4. Seafloor forms at a 4. Reversals
constant rate from the 5. Parallel
oceanic-ridge
5. 90 million years ago
LESSON 2
What I Know What’s New What’s More
1. D 1. South America and 1. Yes
2. B Africa 2. Yes
3. C 2. Students answer may 3. No
4. D vary 4. No
5. D 3. Students answer may 5. Yes
6. B vary 6. Yes
7. D 4. Glossopteris 7. No
8. B Continents were once 8. Yes
9. B joined. 9. Yes
10. A Students answer may 10. Yes
vary
What’s In Assessment
1. Continental Drift Theory 1. Africa & South
2. Alfred Wegener America
3. Pangaea 2. Glacial striations
4. Laurasia 3. Lystrosaurus &
5. Gondwanaland Mesosaurus
4. Glossopteris
5. Fossil
LESSON 1
Answer Key
 References
Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. (2020). Magnetic Reversal. Accessed May 15, 2020
https://kids.britannica.com/students/assembly/view/155524

Henig, A., & Halpern, S. (2012). Seafloor Spreading Centers: The Life Cycle of the
Seafloor. Accessed May 14, 2020.
https://earthref.org/SCC/lessons/2011/seafloorspreading/

Kious, J., & Tilling, R. I. (2016, November 30). The Dynamic Earth: The Story of
Plate Tectonics. Accessed May 8, 2020.
https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/dynamic.html

Magnetic Striping of the Seafloor. (n.d.). Accessed May 14, 2020.

https://mrjonesscienceroom.weebly.com/magnetic-striping-of-the-
seafloor.html

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 Development Team of the Module
Writer: Daniel C. Villanueva

Editors
Content Editors: Alma B. Castaño
Jessica S. Mateo
Nancy E. Suegay
Language Editor: Lei B. Penaflor

Cover Illustrator: Luis Anthony A. Domingo

Reviewers: PNU External Validators
Layout Artist: Mary Anne G. Pasco

Management Team:
Sheryll T. Gayola
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
OIC, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent

Elisa O. Cerveza
Chief, CID
OIC, Office of the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Jessica S. Mateo
EPS-Science

Ivy Coney A. Gamatero

EPS – LRMS

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Schools Division Office- Marikina City

Email Address: sdo.marikina@deped.gov.ph

191 Shoe Ave., Sta. Elena, Marikina City, 1800, Philippines

Telefax: (02) 682-2472 / 682-3989

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