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The theory of plate tectonics was not initially widely accepted because .
  • a)
    land bridges would have blocked plate movement
  • b)
    rocks of the Earthís crust were considered too stiff for continents to move through them
  • c)
    fossils on South America and Africa did not match
  • d)
    ocean floor mapping showed that older rocks occur away from mid- ocean ridges
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The theory of plate tectonics was not initially widely accepted becaus...


Why rocks of the Earth's crust were considered too stiff for continents to move through them?

- The theory of plate tectonics suggests that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below.
- Initially, many geologists believed that rocks in the Earth's crust were too rigid and stiff for continents to move through them.
- It was thought that the Earth's crust was solid and immovable, making the concept of continents drifting apart or colliding seem unlikely.

Challenges to accepting the theory of plate tectonics:

- The idea that continents could move through the rigid rocks of the Earth's crust seemed implausible to many scientists at the time.
- The concept of large landmasses shifting and changing positions over millions of years was met with skepticism and resistance.
- Without a clear understanding of the mechanisms behind plate movement, the theory faced challenges in gaining widespread acceptance.

Impact of overcoming this challenge:

- As scientific understanding and technology advanced, evidence such as seafloor spreading, magnetic striping, and the discovery of tectonic plate boundaries helped support the theory of plate tectonics.
- Over time, the realization that the Earth's lithosphere is dynamic and constantly moving led to the widespread acceptance of the theory among the scientific community.
- Today, plate tectonics is a fundamental concept in geology and earth sciences, explaining various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation.
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The theory of plate tectonics was not initially widely accepted because .a)land bridges would have blocked plate movementb)rocks of the Earthís crust were considered too stiff for continents to move through themc)fossils on South America and Africa did not matchd)ocean floor mapping showed that older rocks occur away from mid- ocean ridgesCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for IIT JAM 2025 is part of IIT JAM preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the IIT JAM exam syllabus. Information about The theory of plate tectonics was not initially widely accepted because .a)land bridges would have blocked plate movementb)rocks of the Earthís crust were considered too stiff for continents to move through themc)fossils on South America and Africa did not matchd)ocean floor mapping showed that older rocks occur away from mid- ocean ridgesCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for IIT JAM 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The theory of plate tectonics was not initially widely accepted because .a)land bridges would have blocked plate movementb)rocks of the Earthís crust were considered too stiff for continents to move through themc)fossils on South America and Africa did not matchd)ocean floor mapping showed that older rocks occur away from mid- ocean ridgesCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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