Question

how did fossil evidence contribute to the theory of continental drift that indicates that the continents were joined at one point in time?
similar fossils that dated back to the same time were found on continents that are now separated by hundreds of miles and oceans.
fossils that were found in one area did not show up anywhere else on earth.
similar fossils existed on different continents but seemed to date back to different times in history.
the species that are alive today are found on each continent but with slight variations in some of their traits.

Explanation:

The theory of continental drift suggests that continents were once joined. Fossil evidence supports this. Similar fossils (of the same age) found on currently separated continents imply those continents were once connected. If fossils were unique to one area (option 2), it wouldn't support a joined - continent theory. If similar fossils were from different times (option 3), it would not imply a past connection. Modern species with slight trait variations (option 4) are more about evolution and adaptation to different environments, not past continental connections.

Answer:

Similar fossils that dated back to the same time were found on continents that are now separated by hundreds of miles and oceans.