How long ago did the supercontinent begin to split apart?

How long ago did the supercontinent begin to split apart?

• A. 150-175 million years ago
• B. 200-225 million years ago
• C. 300-350 million years ago
• D. 400-450 million years ago

Answer: (B)

The supercontinent known as Pangaea began to split apart approximately 200-225 million years ago, during the Mesozoic Era. This period marks the end of the Triassic and the beginning of the Jurassic, a time characterized by significant geological activity. The breakup of Pangaea led to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean and the distribution of continents into their current positions. As continents started to drift apart, tectonic processes significantly influenced not just geological features like mountain ranges and ocean basins but also had profound effects on global climate and biodiversity. The understanding of this timeframe is crucial in studying the history of Earth's geology and the evolutionary processes that followed the breakup of the supercontinent. The other timeframes provided do not align with the well-established geological records that place the significant rifting of Pangaea in the indicated range, thus reinforcing the accuracy of the chosen answer.

The supercontinent known as Pangaea began to split apart approximately 200-225 million years ago, during the Mesozoic Era. This period marks the end of the Triassic and the beginning of the Jurassic, a time characterized by significant geological activity. The breakup of Pangaea led to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean and the distribution of continents into their current positions.

As continents started to drift apart, tectonic processes significantly influenced not just geological features like mountain ranges and ocean basins but also had profound effects on global climate and biodiversity. The understanding of this timeframe is crucial in studying the history of Earth's geology and the evolutionary processes that followed the breakup of the supercontinent.

The other timeframes provided do not align with the well-established geological records that place the significant rifting of Pangaea in the indicated range, thus reinforcing the accuracy of the chosen answer.