Question

How is the merging of continents to form Pangaea believed to have altered Earth's environments at the end of the Paleozoic era?

A. It made the climate warmer and moister for terrestrial organisms in the center of the new landmass.
B. Shallow coastal areas were drained, leading to the extinction of many marine species.
C. It prompted an immediate increase in Earth's biodiversity.
D. It eliminated all multicellular eukaryotes, allowing evolution to start anew.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option b. The formation of Pangaea dramatically reduced shallow coastal habitats, leading to the most massive extinction event at the end of the Paleozoic era.

Step-by-step explanation:

The merging of continents to form Pangaea at the end of the Paleozoic era is believed to have drastically altered Earth's environments. This supercontinent configuration reduced the amount of shallow coastal areas which are critical habitats for marine species. As a result, the end of the Permian period, which coincides with the end of the Paleozoic, experienced the most massive extinction event on record. Additionally, landmasses experienced extreme temperatures and a dry climate, challenging plants and animals to evolve adaptations to dryness.

Choice B is the most accurate answer: Shallow coastal areas were drained, leading to the extinction of many marine species.