Question

Lungfishes, an ancient group of freshwater fishes, are found in Africa, Australia, and South America. Their fossils are found on all but one continent. Their geographic distribution is indicative of

• A. The lungfishes being dispersed to all continents following the breakup of Pangaea.
• B. The lungfishes' migratory capacity.
• C. The lungfishes' ability to adapt to all environments.
• D. The lungfishes' ability to survive in all climates.
• E. The lungfishes separately evolving from already existing species on each continent.

Answer 1

The correct option is A The lungfishes being dispersed to all continents following the breakup of Pangaea.

It is believed that earlier, earth was a single mass of land which was called Pangaea. Pangaea got spilt into Laurasia and Gondwana. Gondwana then broke up into land masses Antarctica, Madagascar, India, and Australia and got separated from Africa. South America drifted slowly west away from Africa. Hence, Africa, Australia, and South America belong to one continent Pangaea. Therefore, fossils of ancient group of freshwater fishes found at one continent suggest their geographic distribution to the continents after breakup of Pangaea.

So, the correct answer is 'The lungfishes being dispersed to all continents following the breakup of Pangaea'.