Historical Influence on Biodiversity: Plate Tectonics & Climate

When we look at the biodiversity of life today it is vital we look at it through the eyes of history - what historical influences have led to life on Earth as we know it today?

The movement of continents and the effect this has had on climate is obviously a big one.

The movement of continents has been vital for the evolution of biodiversity because:

  • It facilitated the spread and separation of animals and plants around the globe.
  • Changes the albedo and thermal properties of land and sea, in turn affecting climate.
  • Creates and breaks super continents: Which influences albedo, currents, winds, rainfall and consequently climate.
  • Creates volcanoes: Which influences CO2 levels of the atmosphere.
  • Mountain formation: Influence on rainfall and moisture of surrounding regions.  It also creates a whole new biome.






Continental Drift 




The aim for this lesson is to get a general overview of plate tectonics so that you will have a good understanding of the theory before embarking on your assignment. 






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