Final answer:
Knowing about past plate motion helps explain how the mesosaurus fossils got separated because it provides insights into the movement of continents and the creation of new environments. The movement of these continents over millions of years resulted in the separation of the mesosaurus populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Knowing about past plate motion helps explain how the mesosaurus fossils got separated because it provides insights into the movement of continents and the creation of new environments. The mesosaurus fossils were found in both Africa and South America, which were once connected as part of the supercontinent Pangaea. The movement of these continents over millions of years resulted in the separation of the mesosaurus populations.
For example, when Pangaea began to break apart during the Triassic period, a seaway called the South Atlantic Ocean formed between Africa and South America. This ocean barrier prevented the mesosaurus from freely moving between the two landmasses, leading to separate populations.
Additionally, the knowledge of plate tectonics helps paleontologists understand the geological time scale and the ages of different rock layers. By dating the surrounding rock layers where mesosaurus fossils are found, scientists can estimate the time of the separation of these populations.