Which fossil is found on the greatest number of landmasses, providing key evidence for the theory of continental drift?

• A. Lystrosaurus
• B. Mesosaurus
• C. Glossopteris
• D. Cynognathus

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. The question is asking about fossils that provide evidence for the theory of continental drift, which suggests that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart.
2. Step 2: Recall that fossils of certain species found on multiple continents are key evidence for continental drift. These species must have existed before the continents separated, and their fossils are distributed across landmasses that are now geographically distant.
3. Step 3: Review the fossil options provided: Lystrosaurus, Mesosaurus, Glossopteris, and Cynognathus. Consider which of these fossils is known to be found on the greatest number of landmasses.
4. Step 4: Note that Glossopteris is a type of plant fossil found on multiple continents, including South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia. Its widespread distribution supports the idea that these continents were once connected in a supercontinent called Pangaea.
5. Step 5: Conclude that Glossopteris is the fossil found on the greatest number of landmasses, providing key evidence for the theory of continental drift.