Wegener's continental drift hypothesis proposed that all continents were once joined to form what?

Wegener's continental drift hypothesis suggests that all continents were once part of a single, large landmass known as Pangaea. This supercontinent existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, approximately 335 to 175 million years ago, before the continents drifted apart due to tectonic forces. The idea is foundational in understanding plate tectonics and the historical movements of continents across the Earth's surface.

The concept of a singular major supercontinent is crucial because it provides a basis for explaining similar geological features, fossil distributions, and climatic evidence found on continents that are now widely separated. Wegener's hypothesis laid the groundwork for further research into the mechanisms of continental movement, ultimately leading to our modern understanding of plate tectonics. This distinction is important, as it directly relates to how the continents and oceans have evolved over geological time.