article_snippet.sent: Before the Isthmus of Panama rose from the sea by tectonic and volcanic action, the Central American Seaway linked the Atlantic to the Pacific as one great ocean.
article_snippet.sent: Until then, a deep water channel called the Central American Seaway separated The various continents, sitting atop huge plates akin to jigsaw puzzle pieces sliding over Earth's mantle.
article_snippet.sent: One of the most dramatic results of the joining of the two Americas was the mixing of the animals living on the respective landmasses, with various creatures crossing the land bridge to invade the other continent.
article_snippet.sent: The event is known as the Great American Biological Interchange.
article_snippet.sent: After the Isthmus of Panama formed, animals and plants could move back and forth between continents, the Great American Biological Interchange.
highlights_snippet.sent: Deep water channel called Central American Seaway separated continents .