Question

which statement explains what similar fossils found on distant continents suggest about earths history?
animals have evolved over time.
the continents have moved over time.
earths oceans had varying salt content through time.
there have been many animals on earth that are now extinct.

Explanation:

• Similar fossils on distant continents suggest that these continents were once connected. This is because the animals (whose fossils are found) would have lived in one continuous area. Over time, as the continents moved (a concept related to continental drift), the same - species' fossils ended up on what are now distant continents.
• The fact of similar fossils does not directly relate to animal evolution (as evolution would show changes in fossil forms over time in a more local - to - a - region context for a particular species), ocean salt content (no indication from fossil distribution about salt levels), or the number of extinct animals (the key is the distribution of similar fossils across continents).

Answer:

The continents have moved over time.