Question

Which continents contain fossil evidence of Africa and North America?

1) Africa and North America
2) Africa and Atlantic Ocean
3) North America and Atlantic Ocean
4) Africa, North America, and Atlantic Ocean

Answer 1

Fossil evidence supporting the ancient connection between Africa and North America exists on the continents of Africa and North America option (1) themselves, supporting Wegener's theory of continental drift and the existence of the supercontinent Pangaea.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking to identify on which continents fossil evidence can be found that supports the previous connection of Africa and North America before the formation of the Atlantic Ocean. The correct answer is: The continents that contain fossil evidence of Africa and North America are Africa and North America themselves, essentially option 1 from the choices provided.

Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift, proposed in the early 20th century, is centered on the idea that the continents were previously joined in a supercontinent called Pangaea. This is supported by geological and fossil evidence that shows similar species on continents that are now separated by oceans, including findings in both Africa and North America.

The theory is reinforced by the matching geological shapes and certain fossil types that indicate these continents were once connected. Interestingly, Wegener's theory also posited that South America and Africa were once joined, and their fossil records support this connection as well.