Use the map to support the existence of Pangea. Discuss at least three fossils found on the map.

Answer 1

The map provides evidence for the existence of Pangea by showing similarities in fossil distribution across separate continents, indicating a shared geological history. Here are three fossils found on the map that support the existence of Pangea:

1. Glossopteris Fossil: The Glossopteris is a type of fern-like plant that thrived during the Permian period, around 300 million years ago. Fossils of this plant have been found in South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and India. The presence of the Glossopteris on these continents suggests that they were once a connected landmass since these plants, which did not have effective means of long-distance dispersal, could not have naturally spread across these widely separated regions.

2. Mesosaurus Fossil: Mesosaurus was a small freshwater reptile that lived during the Early Permian period, around 300 million years ago. Fossils of Mesosaurus have been discovered in both South America and Africa. The presence of this reptile in these distant areas indicates that a body of water, such as a large lake or a sea, once connected the two continents. This connection is only plausible with the existence of a single landmass, Pangea, as Mesosaurus would not have been able to cross an ocean.

3. Lystrosaurus Fossil: Lystrosaurus was a herbivorous land-dwelling animal that lived during the Early Triassic period, approximately 250 million years ago. Fossils of Lystrosaurus have been found in South Africa, India, and Antarctica. The presence of this creature on these continents supports the theory of continental drift and Pangea since Lystrosaurus could not have crossed vast oceans. The fact that Lystrosaurus fossils are found in Antarctica further suggests that this continent was once connected to other landmasses near the South Pole.

Overall, the distribution of these fossils on the map supports the theory of Pangea by indicating that the continents were once connected and subsequently drifted apart. The similarities and continuity of these fossils across widely separated regions would not be possible without the existence of a supercontinent like Pangea.