Title: How to Write a CER on Continental Drift

Claim: Continental drift is a valid scientific theory that explains the movement of Earth's continents over geological time.

Evidence:

1. Fossil Distribution: Identical fossils of the Mesosaurus, a freshwater reptile, have been found in both South America and Africa, suggesting these continents were once connected.
2. Geological Similarities: Mountain ranges, such as the Appalachian Mountains in North America and the Caledonian Mountains in Scotland, show similar rock formations and ages, indicating they were part of the same landmass.
3. Paleoclimatic Evidence: Coal deposits found in Antarctica indicate that it once had a tropical climate, supporting the idea that continents have shifted from warmer to colder regions.
4. Fit of the Continents: The coastlines of South America and Africa fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, providing a visual representation of how they were once joined.

Reasoning: The evidence presented supports the claim of continental drift by demonstrating that continents were once part of a larger supercontinent, Pangaea. The distribution of fossils, geological formations, and climatic indicators all point to the historical movement of continents, aligning with the theory proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century. This convergence of evidence from multiple disciplines reinforces the validity of the continental drift theory.