There are several clues that are useful in reconstructing Pangaea, the supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic, formed about 300 million years ago and began to fracture about 200 million years ago, before the continents separated into their current configuration. These clues include:

• Jigsaw fit of the continents: The edges of the continents that seem to fit like a jigsaw puzzle.

• Fossil evidence: Fossils tell us when and where plants and animals once existed. Glossopteris fossils, for example, tell us that the continents especially South Africa, Australia, India, and Antarctica which are now separated by vast oceans were once connected because the large seeds of these plants could not move by wind or drift on ocean currents. Fossils have been found on all the southern continents – Australia, Antarctica, India, South Africa, and South America.

• Rock evidence: Evidence from mountain chains can be used to reconstruct the positions of todays continents and landmasses to form the supercontinent Pangaea.

• Continental margins: The continental margins were useful in reconstructing Pangaea. In addition to the adjustment of the continents edges, the presence of evidence found on the same continent makes reconstruction easier.

By using these clues, scientists can piece together how the Earth may have looked approximately 290 million years ago when the continents were connected to form Pangaea.