Geological evidence indicates that two land masses 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 land masses.What can you conclude about the group's evolutionary history?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Without knowledge of the dispersal abilities of the organism, it is difficult to determine whether the group's ancestors were present on the original land mass before it broke up or whether they colonized each land mass independently. If the organism is unable to disperse across the ocean, it is likely that the ancestors were present on the original land mass before it broke up. However, if the organism is capable of dispersal over long distances, it is possible that the ancestors colonized each land mass independently.

Geological Evidence Indicates That Two Land Masses Became Separated by a Deep