Geological evidence indicates that two landmasses became separated by a deep ocean channel 45 million years ago and have been moving apart ever since. You are studying a group of organisms that is widespread as a native part of the biota on both of the landmasses. What can you conclude about the groups evolutionary history?
A. The groups ancestors were definitely present on the original landmass.
B. The groups ancestors cannot have been present on the original landmass.
C. If the groups ancestors could not move across the open ocean, it is very likely that they were present on the original landmass.
D. The groups ancestors must have independently colonized each of the landmasses from a third location within the past 45 million years.
Answer:C
Geological evidence indicates that two landmasses became separated by a deep ocean channel 45 million years ago and have been moving apart ever since. You are studying a group of organisms that is widespread as a native part of the biota on both of the landmasses. What can you conclude about the groups evolutionary history?
A. The groups ancestors were definitely present on the original landmass. B. The groups ancestors cannot have been present on the original landmass. C. If the groups ancestors could not move across the open ocean, it is very likely that they were present on the original landmass. D. The groups ancestors must have independently colonized each of the landmasses from a third location within the past 45 million years.