Geological Evidence Indicates That Two Landmasses, Separated by a Deep

Multiple Choice

Geological evidence indicates that two landmasses, separated by a deep ocean channel, have been moving apart since 45 million years ago. You are studying a group of organisms that has widespread populations on both of the landmasses. Which is the most likely hypothesis for the group's evolutionary history?

A) The group's ancestors were definitely present on the original landmass.
B) The group's ancestors cannot have been present on the original landmass.
C) If the group's ancestors could not move across the open ocean, it is very likely that they were present on the original landmass.
D) The group's ancestors must have independently colonized each of the landmasses from a third location within the past 45 million years.