Pangaea and Moving Continents
Chapter 11: The History of Life

Scientists use evidence from fossils to show that the continents were once joined together and have moved apart over time. For example, paleontologists have found fossils of ancient fernlike plants called Glossopteris in South America, Africa, India, Australia, and Antarctica. The seeds of Glossopteris are too heavy to have been blown across the oceans by winds.

Fossils of Cynognathus, a land reptile, were found in South America and Africa. Fossils of Lystrosurus, also a land reptile, were found in Africa, Antarctica, and India. Fossils of Mesosaurus, a freshwater reptile, were found in Africa and South America. These, and other, examples have convinced many scientists that the idea of moving continents is accurate.

Analyze the Data

---

1. Based on the evidence given above, what inferences can you make about the continents?
2. Using a map of the continents, try to reassemble the continents to form Pangaea. How does this provide evidence for plate tectonics?

TOP

Unit 3 Home Page