Question

A significant body of water once separated the continents of North America and South America. How do you think the formation of the Isthmus of Panama could have affected the environment around?

• A. It could have made it easy for animals to migrate between the two continents.
• B. It could have blocked the water currents that once flowed past, thus altering temperature in the region.
• C. It could have resulted in the formation of Antarctica.
• D. It could have resulted in the creation of the Caribbean islands.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

The correct options are
A It could have made it easy for animals to migrate between the two continents.
B It could have blocked the water currents that once flowed past, thus altering temperature in the region.

There is evidence that suggests that the creation of the Isthmus of Panama had a role to play in the creation of a large Arctic ice cap. The formation of the Isthmus of Panama could have also played a major role in the biodiversity of the planet. The landmass possibly made it easier for animals to migrate between North America and South America. This event is in fact known in Paleontology as the Great American Interchange.