Plate tectonics was originally called the "Theory of Continental Drift" originated by Alfred Wegener. The development of the theory is an excellent example of the application of the scientific method. Plate Tectonics represents a total shift of scientific paradigm. Wegener's theory of continental drift captured the attention of Earth Scientists interest in the continental drift controversy and the plate tectonics revolution began 4.7 Daly's defense of continental drift and his down-sliding Continents cover 29 percent of the surface of the earth and remainder is under oceanic waters. Alfred Wegner was a German meteorologist who put forth the Continental Drift Theory in 1912.. It is considered that there was a single landmass called PANGAEA- which means all earth. continental drift in American the theory that continents slowly shift their positions as a result of currents in the molten rocks of the earth's mantle , plate tectonics, etc. Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. continental drift - the idea that continents move around on Earth's surface. Pangaea - an ancient, huge landmass composed of earlier forms of today's continents; an ancient supercontinent. plate tectonics - a theory explaining how the pieces of Earth's surface (the plates) move. The theory of continental drift was based on the distribution of rock types, fossils and structures. was accepted by most geologist during Wegener's lifetime. was based on oceanic fossils and basalt. suggested that the original land forms were large islands. Continental drift and plate tectonics f you look closely at a world map, you might notice something about the theory of continental drift and the theory of plate tectonics? 5. Describe three reasons why the Earth's plates move. 6. Continental Drift. Long ago there was a super continent called Pangaea. Pangaea is North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and India put together. Alfred Wagener discovered this