In the following figure, the region indicated by the arrow is the only modern-day location of the freshwater lungfish. Fossils of the ancestors of the lungfish, however, have been found all over the world (dots throughout the map). What does the distribution of these fossils indicate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distribution of fossils all over the world indicates that the ancestors of the lungfish existed on Pangaea before the continents separated. As they died, their fossils were separated by continental drift and now can be found in various locations across the world. Choice A is incorrect because it implies that the lungfish were already separated before fossilization, which is not supported by the evidence. Choice B is incorrect because it implies that the same species of lungfish evolved independently on different continents, which is also not supported by the evidence. Choice D is incorrect because there is no evidence to suggest that lungfish were more successful in North America than South America.

In the Following Figure, the Region Indicated by the Arrow