Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 5.2 Location of tropical seasonal forests within the Neotropical region.
(Map by
Bernd Kuennecke.)
Origins of the Neotropical Seasonal Forest
Plate tectonics and fluctuating sea levels have greatly influenced the flora and
fauna of Neotropical forests (see Chapter 3). In the late Permian Period, the conti-
nents were joined as the supercontinent Pangaea. At the break up of Pangaea,
South America remained part of the southern protocontinent of Gondwana, along
with Africa, India, Australia, and Antarctica. North America, Europe, and Asia
were part of the northern protocontinent, Laurasia. At the breakup of Gondwana
and the creation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge around 150 mya, South America sepa-
rated from Africa and remained isolated for millions of years. North and Central
America did not separate from Europe until about 40 mya, when they moved to-
ward South America. Moving plates and changing climate created fluctuating
sea levels and periodic connections between South America and North America
through land bridges. These connections dramatically changed the flora and fauna
