Why are Australian pouched (marsupial) mammals cited in the chapter as a striking example of evolution in isolation?
A{'text': 'They evolved long before placental mammals appeared anywhere else on earth', 'label': 'A'}
B{'text': 'They are direct descendants of the primate genus Dryopithecus of Africa', 'label': 'B'}
C{'text': 'Continental drift isolated Australia, sparing pouched mammals from placental competition', 'label': 'C'}
D{'text': 'They migrated across the Bering land bridge and outcompeted resident placental mammals', 'label': 'D'}
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. {'text': 'Continental drift isolated Australia, sparing pouched mammals from placental competition', 'label': 'C'}
When continental drift carried Australia away from other landmasses, its pouched mammals escaped competition from placentals. They radiated into many forms occupying niches that placentals filled elsewhere. The chapter contrasts this with South American mammals, which were overridden by North American fauna when the continents joined.
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