Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

Fossil remains found in Africa and South America indicate the geological period of which layer?

1. Jurassic

2. Pre Cambrian

3. Cretaceous

4. Paleozoic

The correct answer is: Pre Cambrian

The fossil remains found in Africa and South America are indicative of the geological period known as the Cretaceous. This period is characterized by significant geological and biological developments, including the diversification of dinosaurs and the emergence of flowering plants. Notably, the existence of similar fossil types on widely separated continents like Africa and South America supports the theory of continental drift and the concept of Pangaea, where these landmasses were once connected. The Jurassic period, which precedes the Cretaceous, also had its own distinct fossil record, including dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and early mammals, but it is the Cretaceous that is most famous for the rich variety of fossils found during this time. The Pre-Cambrian covers a vast stretch of time before complex life forms evolved, and while significant in geological history, it does not pertain directly to the continental comparison presented in the question. The Paleozoic era encompasses a wide range of periods prior to the Mesozoic era, but the specific fossil evidence discussed aligns more closely with the Cretaceous period, further solidifying its historical significance.