Continent Locations in the Past and Present

Question

The maps show the locations of continents at different times in Earth’s past.



Multiple Choice Question

In South America and Africa, there are fossils of a reptile called Mesosaurus. This animal lived in freshwater lakes and ponds near the coast. The map below shows the distribution of places where Mesosaurus fossils have been found.


Which statement about Mesosaurus fossils and continental drift is MOST accurate?

A. 

The Mesosaurus lived in coastal areas so the fossils show that the coastlines have changed as the continents drifted apart.

B. 

The Mesosaurus could have evolved on both continents, so the fossils are not evidence for continental drift.

C. 

The Mesosaurus could not swim between the continents in the open ocean, so the fossils show that the continents must have been together in the past.

D. 

The Mesosaurus fossils are found over too large of an area to provide any information about continental drift.

Answer 1

The MOST accurate statement about Mesosaurus fossils and continental drift is:

C. The Mesosaurus could not swim between the continents in the open ocean, so the fossils show that the continents must have been together in the past.

This statement reflects the understanding that Mesosaurus, as a freshwater reptile, would not have been able to survive in the saltwater of the open ocean, indicating that South America and Africa must have been connected at some point in the past for these fossils to be found on both continents.