Question

how did wegener explain why fossils of land animals were found on continents that are across oceans from one another?
○ animals evolved separately on each continent.
○ land bridges existed between the continents.
○ animals swam across the ocean to new continents.
○ continents were once one landmass and have drifted apart.

Explanation:

Wegener proposed the continental drift theory. He explained that the continents were once a single landmass (Pangaea) and have since drifted apart. This explains why fossils of land animals are found on continents separated by oceans—those animals lived on the single landmass, and as the continents drifted, their fossils were carried with them. The other options are incorrect: animals evolving separately wouldn't result in similar fossils across continents; land bridges were not Wegener's explanation (he focused on continental drift); and land animals can't swim across oceans to colonize new continents in a way that would explain widespread similar fossils.

Answer:

D. Continents were once one landmass and have drifted apart.