Question

You are studying a group of related rodent species that are native to central portions of South America and Africa. Both the rodents and their fossils are entirely absent from other continents. These rodents slowly disperse over land, but do not cross areas of salt water. With reference to the figure below, when did this group probably originate?

A. in the Mesozoic, about 135 million years ago
B. in the recent Cenozoic, less than 50 million years ago
C. in the late Mesozoic, about 65 million years ago
D. in the late Paleozoic, about 251 million years ago

Answer 1

The group of related rodent species probably originated in the early Cenozoic era.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rodent species in question are native to central portions of South America and Africa and do not cross areas of salt water. Based on the information provided, the group of rodents probably originated in the early Cenozoic era, less than 50 million years ago.