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Encyclopedia of Evolution.pdf - Online Reading Center

Encyclopedia of Evolution.pdf - Online Reading Center

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the northern continents were united together. After the continents<br />

separated, and mountain ranges arose, the oaks evolved<br />

into separate species in the different locations (see adaptive<br />

radiation; biogeography).<br />

continental drift<br />

The same evidence that confirmed continental drift also<br />

confirms the evolutionary interpretation <strong>of</strong> the history <strong>of</strong><br />

the Earth. The patterns <strong>of</strong> the fossils, such as the Glossopteris<br />

flora and Lystrosaurus, could not have been produced<br />

Paleomagnetism confirms that new ocean floor was formed along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, pushing North America and Europe apart. In this hypothetical<br />

drawing, new ocean floor forms at a mid-ocean ridge (a) by volcanic material rising (b). Each <strong>of</strong> the stripes (c) represents a change in the polarity<br />

(represented by directions <strong>of</strong> arrows) <strong>of</strong> magnetism; the time axis is from A to C.

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