Geologist discovered fossils of identical spider mites from the same time period but on opposite sides of the ocean from each other. What conclusion is supported by the discovery of these fossils?(1 point) Responses The mites were extraordinary swimmers. The mites were extraordinary swimmers. The locations of the fossils were once much closer to each other. The locations of the fossils were once much closer to each other. The climate was much cooler during the time that the mites lived. The climate was much cooler during the time that the mites lived. The locations of the fossils were once vast swamp lands.
The locations of the fossils were once much closer to each other.
The conclusion supported by the discovery of these fossils is that the locations of the fossils were once much closer to each other.
The conclusion supported by the discovery of these fossils is that the locations of the fossils were once much closer to each other.
To arrive at this conclusion, a geologist likely studied the age and distribution of these fossils. If identical spider mite fossils are found on opposite sides of the ocean, it suggests that the two locations were once connected. This can be explained by the theory of continental drift, which states that the Earth's continents were once joined together and have slowly drifted apart over millions of years.
Geologists can use various methods to determine the age of fossils and their location at different points in time. By comparing the ages and locations of the spider mite fossils, they can infer that the regions where the fossils were found were once much closer to each other. This supports the conclusion that the locations of the fossils were once much closer to each other.
The other options, such as the mites being extraordinary swimmers, the climate being much cooler, or the locations being vast swamp lands, are not directly supported by the discovery of these fossils.