What evidence makes scientists believe it is not likely that Mesosaurus swam across an ocean from Africa to South America?
There are several lines of evidence that make scientists believe it is not likely that Mesosaurus swam across an ocean from Africa to South America. These include:
1. Geographical Distribution: The distribution of Mesosaurus fossils is limited to specific regions of South America and Africa. Mesosaurus fossils are found exclusively in freshwater deposits of the Permian period (around 300 million years ago) in Southern Africa and Eastern South America. If Mesosaurus had swum across an ocean between the two continents, its fossils would be expected to have been found in a wider spread of locations.
2. Habitat Requirements: Mesosaurus is believed to have been a freshwater reptile, as evidenced by the presence of adaptations such as small salt glands and tooth morphology suitable for feeding on freshwater prey. Considering this, it seems highly unlikely that Mesosaurus could have survived and thrived in a saltwater marine environment during a long transoceanic journey.
3. Oceanographic Barriers: The Atlantic Ocean between Africa and South America would represent a significant oceanic barrier for a relatively small freshwater reptile like Mesosaurus to cross. The currents, temperature, salinity, and food availability in the open ocean would pose major challenges and likely be unsuitable for the survival of Mesosaurus.
4. Dispersal Limitations: Mesosaurus is thought to have been a relatively small reptile, around 1-2 meters in length. The species would likely have lacked the physical capabilities, stamina, and navigational abilities required for such a long and challenging journey across the ocean.
Based on these factors, scientists propose that the presence of Mesosaurus in both Africa and South America is more likely due to the existence of interconnected freshwater environments that allowed for dispersal through rivers or land bridges during the Permian period.
shorten that to 1 sentence
The limited geographical distribution, habitat requirements, oceanographic barriers, and dispersal limitations make it unlikely that Mesosaurus swam across an ocean from Africa to South America.
for kids to understand
Scientists believe it is unlikely that Mesosaurus swam across an ocean from Africa to South America because it would have been really hard for a small freshwater reptile to survive in salty water, and there were no widespread fossils found in between the two continents.
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