2 Many fossils of an extinct reptile determined by absolute dating to be about 250 million years old were found only in South America and Africa. The fossils did not resemble older fossils of reptiles found on the two continents The hypothesis that best explains these observations is that South America and Africa - F drifted apart more than 250 million years ago G were on different tectonic plates 250 million years ago H separated from the other continents less than 250 million years ago were part of one landmass 250 million years ago (B.7A, 82

## Step 1<br />The problem presents a scenario where fossils of an extinct reptile, determined to be about 250 million years old, were found only in South America and Africa. These fossils do not resemble older fossils of reptiles found on the two continents. The task is to choose the hypothesis that best explains these observations.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The options provided are:<br />F. South America and Africa drifted apart more than 250 million years ago.<br />G. South America and Africa were on different tectonic plates 250 million years ago.<br />H. South America and Africa separated from the other continents less than 250 million years ago.<br />J. South America and Africa were part of one landmass 250 million years ago.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The key information here is that the fossils are from the same extinct reptile and are about 250 million years old, but they are only found in South America and Africa. This suggests that these two continents were once connected, allowing the reptiles to inhabit both.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The hypothesis that best explains this is that South America and Africa were once part of one landmass, which is option J. This would allow the reptiles to inhabit both continents, and the fossils to be found in both.