History of Pangaea

Pangaea’s existence was first proposed in 1912 by German meteorologist Alfred Wegener as part of his theory of continental drift.

Pangaea was derived from the Greek word pangaia, meaning “all the Earth.” Another spelling of Pangaea is "Pangea". It appears in some textbooks and glossaries, however, Pangaea is the current preferred spelling.

The theory of Continental Drift explained how the continents shifted the Earth’s surface and how that affected many aspects such as climate, rock formations found on different continents and plant and animal fossils. Over the 100 million years Pangaea existed, many species had fruitful times whereas others struggled.

The 'Traversodontidae' is an example of such prospering animals, eating a diet of only plants. Plants dependent on spore reproduction had been taken out of the ecosystems, and replaced by the gymnosperm plant, which reproduces through the use of seeds instead. These plants were also able to transport water internally, allowing animals that ate it to also improve hydration. Later on, insects (beetles, dragonflies, mosquitos) also thrived during the Permian period (250–300) million years ago.

However, the Permian extinction would eventually come and greatly impact these insects through a mass extinction, being the only mass extinction to affect insects. When the Triassic Period came, many reptiles were able to also thrive, including Archosaurs, which is an ancestor to modern-day crocodiles and birds.

Little is known about marine life back to date during the existence of Pangaea. Scientists are unable to find substantial evidence or fossilized remains in order to assist them in answering such a question. However, a couple of marine animals have been discovered to exist at the time- the Ammonites and Brachiopods. Additionally, evidence pointing towards massive reefs with varied ecosystems, especially in the species of sponges and coral, has also been discovered. (source: wikipedia.com)