Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science (15th Edition)
15th Edition
ISBN: 9780134543536
Author: Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
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Chapter 4, Problem 1GST
To determine

The reason for the differences between the modern Marsupials in Australia to that of the Africa, although their ancestors had direct fossil links using the break up of Pangaea.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1GST

The differences between the modern Marsupials in Australia to that of the Africa, although their ancestors had direct fossil links are because of their evolvement in distantly related groups over a long period of time acquiring new unique characters of their own.

Explanation of Solution

Pangaea is a vast super continent that existed in the early earth's history. This supercontinent broke up around 200 million years ago during the Triassic period of Mesozoic era.

During the break up of Pangaea, many land masses were broken and drifted across the ocean. This gave rise to many continents and oceans. Africa and Australia, which were once united together also drifted apart.

When they were a single land mass, the origin of both Australian Marsupials and the African Marsupials were the same. Later, after the separation of land, they evolved in different ecological conditions with different adaptations. This made them entirely different from each other.

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