Question

marsupials are found in north america and australia, but they would not have been able to swim across the ocean. according to scientists, how did this group of organisms come to live on two separate continents? marsupials used to have adaptations that allowed them to swim but lost these adaptations over time. the two groups of marsupials evolved independently of one another on two separate continents. the continents were once connected, and marsupials were able to migrate over the land. the oceans were shallow in prehistoric times, which allowed the marsupials to travel from one continent to another.

Explanation:

The theory of continental drift suggests that continents were once connected as a single land - mass (Pangaea). Marsupials could have migrated over land when the continents were joined. This is a more widely - accepted explanation compared to the others provided. Marsupials not having the ability to swim across the ocean rules out options related to swimming adaptations or shallow oceans facilitating travel. Independent evolution of the same group in two separate locations is less likely for closely - related marsupials.

Answer:

The continents were once connected, and marsupials were able to migrate over the land.