How does continental drift explain the uniqueness of Australian fauna?
A) Marsupials fill the ecological niche as eutherians on other continents.
B) Fossil evidence suggests that marsupials originated in Asia and reached Australia via South America.
C) The subsequent separation of the southern continents formed an island of marsupials.
D) In Australia, marsupials diversified, and eutherians became extinct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The separation of the southern continents resulted in Australia becoming an island of marsupials, which allowed the unique fauna to develop and diversify without competition from eutherian mammals.

How Does Continental Drift Explain the Uniqueness of Australian Fauna