Scientists use fossil records to understand the changing arrangement of continents driven by plate movements. One such fossil studied is that of a fern-like plant called Glossopteris, which is dated to be 300 million years old. The map shows the present-day locations at which the fossils of Glossopteris are found.

Question

Which statement correctly explains the presence of Glossopteris fossils in the locations shown on the map?
The continents were joined together when Glossopteris existed.
The continents moved closer after the fossilization of Glossopteris.
The continents started to drift apart before the existence of Glossopteris.
The continents were separated by oceans before the existence of Glossopteris.

Answer 1

The correct statement that explains the presence of Glossopteris fossils in the locations shown on the map is:

The continents were joined together when Glossopteris existed.

This fossil is found on multiple continents that are now separated by oceans, indicating that these landmasses were once connected, allowing the fern-like plant to grow across these areas before continental drift caused them to separate.