Reading Check 4. State Why did Wegener suggest that continents in the southern hemisphere had a colder climate long ago?

Alfred Wegener proposed that the continents in the southern hemisphere once formed part of the supercontinent **Gondwana**, which was located closer to the South Pole. Because of their polar positioning within this unified landmass, Wegener suggested that these continents experienced much colder climates in the distant past. As Gondwana gradually broke apart and the continents drifted to their current positions away from the polar regions, their climates warmed. Thus, the historical proximity to the South Pole was the primary reason Wegener attributed to the colder climates of southern hemisphere continents long ago. **Key Points:** - **Supercontinent Gondwana:** Wegener believed southern continents were once joined in Gondwana. - **Polar Positioning:** Located near the South Pole, leading to colder climates. - **Continental Drift:** Movement away from the poles resulted in warmer climates over time.