1. The fit of the continents: Wegener noticed that the coastlines of Africa and South America seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces. This was especially striking when considering the continental shelves, which extend beyond the visible coastlines.
2. Fossil distribution: Fossil remains of identical species, including ancient reptiles like Mesosaurus and plants like Glossopteris, were found on continents now separated by vast oceans. This strongly suggested that these continents were once connected.
3. Geological similarities: Matching geological formations and rock types, including mountain ranges, were found on continents now separated by oceans. For example, the Appalachian Mountains in North America have a similar rock composition and age to the Caledonian Mountains in Scotland.
Important Note: Wegener's theory of continental drift was initially met with skepticism, primarily because he could not provide a convincing mechanism for how the continents moved. It wasn't until the 1960s, with the development of the theory of plate tectonics, that Wegener's ideas gained widespread acceptance.
