The correct option is 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The Continental Drift Theory postulates the movement of Earth's continents relative to each other over geological time. It explains the breakup of a primordial supercontinent into the current continental configuration.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
Abraham Ortelius, a Dutch mapmaker, was the first to suggest the possibility that the Americas, Europe, and Africa were once joined, noting their coastline fit in 1596. However, it was Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist, who proposed the comprehensive argument in the form of the "Continental Drift Theory" in 1912, supported by evidence from fossils, rock formations, and paleoclimates.
Statement 2 is Correct:
According to Wegener's theory, all landmasses were originally united in a single supercontinent named Pangaea, surrounded by a mega-ocean called Panthalassa. The process of Pangaea splitting began approximately 200 million years ago.
Statement 3 is Correct:
Upon the initial breakup, Pangaea divided into two large continental masses:
- Laurasia: The northern component (comprising present-day North America, Europe, and Asia).
- Gondwanaland: The southern component (comprising present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and India).
Key Takeaway:
Alfred Wegener is the proponent of the comprehensive Continental Drift Theory (1912), distinct from the earlier observation of coastline fit by Ortelius. The supercontinent Pangaea split into Laurasia (North) and Gondwanaland (South) roughly 200 million years ago.