by Q. Which of the following are the evidences of the phenomenon of continental drift?
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I
I. The belt of ancient rocks from Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa.
II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side.
III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) I and III only
(b) I and II only
(c) I, II and III
(d) II and III only
Answer: (c) I, II and III
Explanation:
- The rock formations along the eastern coast of Brazil closely match those found on the western coast of Africa, indicating both were once joined together.
- The gold deposits of Ghana show geological similarity with those of the Brazilian plateau, suggesting a common origin before continental separation.
- The Gondwana sedimentary rocks of India are also found in Africa, Australia, Antarctica, South America, Madagascar, and the Falkland Islands.
- The presence of similar rock structures, minerals, and fossils across these landmasses strongly supports the theory of continental drift.
- These evidences confirm that the southern continents were once part of a single landmass called Gondwanaland.
Answer: (c) I, II and III
