ex of continental drift explaining biogeographic distributions: 3 fossil groups that show continuous patterns of distribution across continental boundaries:
An example of continental drift explaining biogeographic distributions can be seen in the distribution patterns of certain fossil groups
An example of continental drift explaining biogeographic distributions can be seen in the distribution patterns of certain fossil groups. Here are three fossil groups that demonstrate continuous patterns of distribution across continental boundaries:
1. Mesosaurus: Mesosaurus was a small reptile that lived during the Early Permian period, around 300 million years ago. Fossils of Mesosaurus have been found in South America (specifically in Brazil and Uruguay) and in southern Africa (specifically in South Africa and Namibia). The presence of identical or very similar Mesosaurus fossils in these distant regions indicates that there was once a connection between these continents. This supports the concept of continental drift, as it suggests that these regions were once part of the same landmass and subsequently separated.
2. Glossopteris: Glossopteris is an extinct seed fern that thrived during the Late Paleozoic era, around 250 million years ago. Fossils of Glossopteris have been discovered in various locations across the southern hemisphere, including South America, Africa, India, Antarctica, and Australia. The presence of Glossopteris fossils in these regions supports the theory of continental drift. It suggests that these landmasses were once joined together as part of a supercontinent called Gondwana, which eventually fragmented and drifted apart.
3. Lystrosaurus: Lystrosaurus was a herbivorous mammal-like reptile that lived during the Early Triassic period, approximately 250 million years ago. Fossils of Lystrosaurus have been found in several locations across different continents, including South America, Africa, India, China, and Antarctica. The distribution of Lystrosaurus fossils across these regions provides evidence for both continental drift and the existence of Gondwana. It suggests that these continents were once part of a larger landmass where Lystrosaurus thrived, and later separated due to continental drift.
In conclusion, the distribution patterns of fossil groups such as Mesosaurus, Glossopteris, and Lystrosaurus across continents provide evidence for continental drift. These fossils demonstrate continuous patterns of distribution across continental boundaries, supporting the idea that these landmasses were once connected and subsequently separated over geological time.