Which of the following was NOT an observation that supported the original continental drift hypothesis as posed by its originators? a. Fit of the continents’ shoreline Similar fossil on widely separated continents b. Evidence for flow of glacial ice from one continent to another c. Ductile behavior of the lithosphere compared to the brittle behavior of the asthenosphere d. Similar rock types and rock structure in separated continents

Option (C)

Explanation:

The continental drift hypothesis refers to the large scale, slow motion of continents over the surface of the large ocean basins and it was discovered by Mr. Alfred Wegener. He contributed some evidence regarding this continental drift hypothesis, such as the matching of the continental margins, finding similar fossils in distant continents, finding similar rock types as well as structures present in them. The movement of glaciers and their changing patterns were also observed to prove this theory.

But, of all the given options, one observation does not support the hypothesis, i.e. the lithosphere showing ductile nature in comparison to the brittle rock behavior in the layer of the asthenosphere.

In the brittle zone, the rocks fractures due to the force acting on it, whereas, in the ductile zone, the rocks tend to flow during the time of deformation.

Thus, the correct answer is option (C).

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