Final answer:
The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea into separate continents, caused by continental rifting and the movement of tectonic plates, led to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean and redistributed the global climate and evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Step 2 of the supercontinent cycle refers to the breakup of a supercontinent, an immense landmass comprising multiple continents. In this case, we are focusing on the disintegration of the well-known supercontinent called Pangaea. Approximately 200 million years ago, Pangaea began to fracture due to the movement of tectonic plates, a process known as continental rifting. This led to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean and eventually resulted in the distribution of continents across the planet as they are seen today.
The fossil evidence across various continents further supports the theory of continental drift, with certain fossils and plant families, such as the Proteaceae, found dispersed across landmasses that were once connected. Drifting continents also influenced global climate and the evolution of life, with changes to habitats and species adaptations. The breakup of Pangaea into separate continents, such as Laurasia and Gondwana, is a prime example of these profound changes.