Gondwana

Definition

Gondwana was a supercontinent that existed from the Late Precambrian to the Jurassic period. It included present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gondwana began to break apart during the Jurassic period, around 180 million years ago.
2. The breakup of Gondwana had significant impacts on the evolution and distribution of amphibians.
3. Fossil evidence of early amphibians has been found in regions that were once part of Gondwana.
4. The separation of landmasses led to the diversification and endemism of amphibian species in different continents.
5. Paleoclimatic changes resulting from Gondwana's breakup influenced amphibian habitats and evolutionary paths.

Review Questions

• What was Gondwana and which modern continents did it include?
• How did the breakup of Gondwana affect amphibian evolution and distribution?
• Why is fossil evidence from former Gondwanan regions important for studying early amphibians?

Related terms

Pangaea: A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras before splitting into Laurasia and Gondwana.

Amphibians: A class of cold-blooded vertebrates that includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.

Endemism: The ecological state of being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island or other isolated area.