Question

Drifting Continents



Observed by many scientists throughout history but not publicly developed until the early 20th century, the theory of continental drift proposes that Earth’s continents have been slowly moving for millions of years and are still moving today. This idea was starkly different from the earlier, widely accepted idea that continents and oceans were fixed in their present positions. However, scientists observed the following evidence that supports this theory:

The shapes of continents fit together like puzzle pieces.
Geologic features on one continent line up with geologic features on a different continent.
Fossils of the same plants and animals were found on different continents.
The maps show Earth 225 million years ago and in the present day.



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The map shows the locations where fossils of an extinct plant species have been found.



A map shows landmasses labeled India and Australia. India has green dots near the southern portion of the land mass. Australia has green dots in all four corners of the land mass.



This plant is thought to have existed 225 million years ago. Which statement BEST compares the fossils?


The fossils in India are likely about the same age as the fossils in Australia.


The fossils in India are likely millions of years older than the fossils in Australia.


The fossils in India are likely millions of years younger than the fossils in Australia.


The fossils in India are likely hundreds of years younger than the fossils in Australia.

Answer 1

The fossils in India are likely about the same age as the fossils in Australia.

Reason: The same plant species existed about 225 million years ago when the continents were connected, so fossils of that species on both landmasses would be from the same time period.