To discuss the existence of Pangea, the prehistoric supercontinent, we can analyze fossils found on a hypothetical map illustrating fossil distribution across present-day continents. Here are three examples of fossils that provide evidence for Pangea:
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Glossopteris: This seed fern fossil is found in South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia. The wide distribution of Glossopteris suggests that these continents were once connected. If Pangea existed, the presence of this plant across such disparate areas is explained by the idea that it thrived in a unified landmass before continental drift separated them.
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Mesosaurus: This freshwater reptile fossil has been discovered in both South America and Africa. Mesosaurus is believed to have lived in freshwater lakes and rivers, which indicates that it could not have crossed the vast oceans that separate these continents today. The presence of Mesosaurus in both regions provides strong evidence that they were once part of a larger landmass, such as Pangea, allowing this species to inhabit a continuous environment.
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Lystrosaurus: Fossils of this terrestrial reptile are found in Africa, Antarctica, and India. Like Mesosaurus, Lystrosaurus would not have been able to swim across the ocean, suggesting that these continents were connected when Lystrosaurus existed. Its fossil distribution supports the notion that the continents were once part of a single landmass before drifting apart.
In summary, the existence of these fossils on multiple continents illustrates the idea that the continents were once joined together as part of Pangea. This fossil evidence is key in understanding the historical biogeography of our planet and supports the theory of continental drift.