Πανγαια, or Pangaea, was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, approximately 335 to 175 million years ago. It was formed by the gradual merging of earlier landmasses and included most of the Earth's continental crust. This massive landmass played a crucial role in the geological and biological history of our planet. The breakup of Πανγαια began around 175 million years ago, leading to the formation of the continents we recognize today. This process was driven by tectonic plate movements, which continue to shape the Earth's surface. The concept of Πανγαια helps scientists understand the distribution of fossils and geological features across different continents.