Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

Which supercontinent is associated with the breakup of the older continent Colombia?

1. Pangea

2. Rodinia

3. Ur

4. Vaalbara

The correct answer is: Rodinia

The breakup of the older continent Colombia is associated with the supercontinent Rodinia. Rodinia is significant in the geological timeline as it represents a major configuration of continents that existed during the Neoproterozoic era, approximately 1.3 billion to 750 million years ago. Colombia was a precursor to this continental assembly, and its fragmentation eventually contributed to the formation of Rodinia. This supercontinent is known for playing a critical role in the development of Earth's geology, contributing to changes in ocean currents and climate that influenced biological evolution. Understanding how Rodinia formed from earlier continental fragments helps illustrate the dynamic nature of Earth’s lithosphere and the processes of continental drift, plate tectonics, and the cyclical nature of supercontinent formation and breakup over geological time.