Question

How did plate tectonics affect the evolution of dominant animal life in the mesozoic era?

Answer 1

As the vast Pangea continent broke apart due to tectonic movements, the movement of animals was restricted to their continent hence gene flow between populations was reduced. As the tectonic plates moved across latitudes, their climate changed and consequently, the fauna on the continents. This necessitated for speciation of the offspring population from parent population so as to adapt to the new habitats. Some animals were unable to adapt while others such as the reptiles, adapted well.