Skip to main content

What happens when continents collide? - Juan D. Carrillo

1,828,294 Views

26,216 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Tens of millions of years ago, plate tectonics set North and South America on an unavoidable collision course that would change the face of the Earth and spell life or death for thousands of species. Juan D. Carrillo explains the massive biological repercussions of this collision, which caused one of the greatest episodes of biological migration in history: The Great American Biotic Interchange.

The fossil record and molecular studies on terrestrial plants and animals show that the interchange took place in different waves. How could you explain that different organisms crossed the bridge at different times?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

More from Awesome Nature