Very similar fossils have been found in rock masses that are separated by oceans and thousands of miles. For example, the fossil remains of the same freshwater reptile species have been found in southern Africa and southern South America. How can these fossils exist so far away from each other?

Question

A.
The land was once completely covered in fresh water.
B.
At some point, the land masses were connected to each other.
C.
Identical reptile species evolved separately on the two different land masses.
D.
This species of reptile swam thousands of miles in search of a new habitat

Answer 1

The best explanation for the presence of very similar fossils found in rock masses that are separated by oceans and thousands of miles is:

B. At some point, the land masses were connected to each other.

This is consistent with the theory of plate tectonics, which suggests that continents were once joined together (in a supercontinent like Pangaea) and have since drifted apart, allowing for species to inhabit connected areas before becoming separated.