In the amber deposits along the Baltic Sea, scientists were amazed to find insects from every region of the earth. Develop a hypothesis that may explain their findings. Justify your hypothesis in two or more complete sentences.

Biology · College · Thu Feb 04 2021

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Hypothesis: During the geological periods when the amber deposits along the Baltic Sea were formed, the Earth's landmasses were connected in a single supercontinent known as Pangaea. As a result of this continental arrangement, insects living in various regions across Pangaea were more likely to become trapped in tree resin, which eventually formed into amber.

Justification: The supercontinent Pangaea existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, roughly 335 to 175 million years ago. The confluence of landmasses allowed insects from different regions across Pangaea to have greater chances of getting caught in tree resin that eventually solidified into amber. Over time, geological processes, including plate tectonics and continental drift, caused the breakup of Pangaea, dispersing these insects across separate continents while preserving their remains in the Baltic amber deposits. This hypothesis aligns with the geological history of the Earth and the known distribution of continents during the relevant periods, providing a plausible explanation for the diverse origins of insects found in the Baltic amber.