IS the shape of continents the only evidence of plate tectonics?

Answer 1

Not at all.

The most convincing evidence that led to the acceptance of plate tectonic theory are stripes of magnetized rock that are arranged parallel the mid-ocean ridges and continue all the way to the edges of the ocean basins. These stripes grow progressively older in age as they approach the edges of the oceans, and correspond to past reversals of the earth's magnetic field. Each stripe formed during a period of Earth's history while the magnetic field orientation was steady, and as the field reversed, a new stripe with opposite orientation was formed. Here is a diagram that represents this:
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tecmech.html

Other types of evidence that changed the paradigm from the old continental drift to plate tectonics was the discovery of mid-ocean ridges, which are volcanic chains larger than the Himalayas that stretch along the center parts of each ocean basin. These are active volcanic zones that are constantly forming new oceanic crust.

Plate tectonics is an especially well proven and robust concept. Evidence of past plate movement is found in all parts of geology, from deposits of oil in both Africa and Brazil that came from the same source, to widespread rocks deposits on different continents that match in composition and character. Biological evidence in the form of fossils adds to the story, and plate tectonics is an important complement to the Theory of Evolution because it explains why some related organisms have had the opportunity to evolve differently in isolation.

As mentioned, the relatively new science of geodesy, prompted by satellite technology, can now measure the movement of continents precisely, and also can measure the changes in elevation of mountains as they rise.

If you would like to examine the changes in the earth's continental plates as a result of plate tectonics over time, here is a set of maps that show the movement of the earth's plates in the past and projected into the future:
http://www.scotese.com/

Answer 2

Plate Tectonics is likewise a hotly contested difficulty because it pertains to the idea of evolution vs the idiocy of creationism. some Creationists would have us trust that the continents spread round 5000 years in the past, after the kangaroos left the ark for australia and the tapirs went to the Amazon and what have you ever. extra huge-spread technology obviously demonstrates that the continents really spread far extra slowly, over 1000's of tens of millions of years, which poses some intense inquiries to the more youthful earth concept.

Answer 3

No. Since the advent of GPS, it has been possible to actually measure with great accuracy just how much the earth's "tectonic plates" are moving. The distance from London to New York gets a little further all the time!

Answer 4

There is a lot of evidence, including the above and the following:
Seafloor spreading
Current plate activity
Fossils found on one continent match fossils found on another continent that it was once connected to
Evidence of historic polar shifts in seafloor crystalline rocks

Answer 5

Plate techtonics have been observed and measured for quite some time now, it's generally accepted as a fact.

Answer 6

No.

There are geological similarities btw Brazil and Central Africa, for instance.

I'm sure geologists could tell you much more.

Answer 7

You mean besides the mountains and earthquakes, sure.