The reconstruction of Pangea, the supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, relied heavily on fossil evidence from various continents. Scientists observed that similar fossils of plants and animals were found on continents that are now widely separated by oceans.
For instance, the fossil remains of the freshwater reptile Mesosaurus have been discovered in both South America and Africa. Since Mesosaurus could not have crossed the Atlantic Ocean, this evidence suggests that these continents were once joined together in a single landmass. Similarly, fossils of the glossopteris plant were found across South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia, providing further clues to the continuity of land before the continents drifted apart.
Moreover, the distribution of certain fossils supports the idea of a unified ecosystem that existed when Pangea was intact. Paleontologists mapped the locations of these fossils and noticed a correlation that could only be explained if the continents were once connected. This ancient biogeography played a crucial role in piecing together the configuration of Pangea, as it demonstrated how species evolved and spread across massive land areas.
In summary, fossil evidence was instrumental in reconstructing Pangea by highlighting the historical connections between continents, thereby allowing scientists to understand the processes of continental drift and the geological history of the Earth.