Question

fossils of glossopteris, a fern - like plant that lived approximately 250 million year ago, have been found on southern continents separated by large oceans. what does the discovery of the fossils in these locations suggest?
a glossopteris seeds likely drifted across the oceans to other continents.
b wind carried the fossils to new locations.
c the fossils were likely transported by humans on ships.
d as the continents slowly drifted apart over time, the fossils of glossopteris were separated.

Explanation:

• Option A: Glossopteris was a land - dwelling plant, and its seeds were not adapted for long - distance oceanic drift.
• Option B: Fossils are formed from the remains of organisms. Wind cannot carry fossils over large oceanic distances to form such a distribution pattern.
• Option C: Humans did not exist 250 million years ago.
• Option D: According to the theory of continental drift, continents were once joined together. As they drifted apart over time, the fossils of Glossopteris (which were originally on a single landmass) were separated on different continents.

Answer:

D. As the continents slowly drifted apart over time, the fossils of Glossopteris were separated.