Which of the following provide evidence that South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia were once together as one supercontinent? Select the three correct
answers below.
1. Matching Fossil Evidence: Fossils of similar species or closely related species have been found in South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia. This indicates that these continents were once connected and had a common landmass where these species lived.
2. Geological Similarities: The rock formations and geological structures, such as mountain ranges and sedimentary basins, in South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia align and fit together like puzzle pieces. This suggests that these continents were once joined and have since separated.
3. Paleoclimatic Evidence: The distribution of ancient climate indicators, such as glacial striations and coal deposits, shows that South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia were once located near or within close proximity to each other. This implies that they were all part of the same supercontinent at some point in the past.
The three correct pieces of evidence that South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia were once together as one supercontinent are as follows:
1. Continental Fit: By examining the shape of the South American and African coastlines, the close fit between them becomes apparent. Particularly noticeable is the way the east coast of South America and the west coast of Africa seem to fit together like puzzle pieces.
2. Geologic Matching: Similar rock formations and ages of geological features can be found across these continents. For instance, the Appalachian Mountains in North America and the Atlas Mountains in North Africa are similar in age and structure. The Caledonian Mountains in Scandinavia also match up with the ancient fold mountains found in regions of East Greenland, Canada, Europe, and northwest Africa.
3. Fossil Evidence: Fossils of the same or similar species have been discovered across these continents, which suggests that they were once connected. For example, fossils of the Mesosaurus, a freshwater reptile, have been found in both South America and Africa. This indicates that these landmasses were once adjacent, as it would be unlikely for a freshwater reptile to have crossed an ocean. Similar fossil evidence is also found with other species, such as the Lystrosaurus and Glossopteris plants.
By considering these three pieces of evidence, it becomes evident that South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia were once part of the same supercontinent.
To determine which of the following options provide evidence that South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia were once together as one supercontinent, we need to examine some geological evidence. Here are the options:
1. Fossil Evidence: Fossils are the remains or imprints of ancient plants and animals. If the same fossils are found in South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia, it suggests that these continents were once connected. This similarity in fossil evidence is known as biogeographic evidence.
2. Geologic Evidence: Understanding the geology of these continents is crucial in determining their past positions. The presence of matching rock formations, such as similar types of rocks, layers, and their ages, provides strong evidence for past connectivity.
3. Paleomagnetic Evidence: Rocks and minerals can retain the magnetic orientation of Earth's magnetic field at the time of their formation. By analyzing the magnetism of rocks in South America, Africa, Antarctica, and Australia, scientists can determine if they were once part of a larger landmass.
To select the correct options, we need to consider those that are supported by scientific research and provide evidence of the continents' past connection.