Question

Which factor most likely caused animals and plants in India to differ greatly from species in nearby southeast Asia?

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is option d. "India was a separate continent until 45 million years ago".

Explanation:

135 million years ago, Pangea was a single continent that became separated into Laurasia in the north and Gondwana in the south. India was part of Gondwana along with Australia, South America, Antarctica and Africa. However, as a result of tectonic activity India got separated from Gondwana. This period of time at which India was a separated continent is the factor that most likely explains why animals and plants in India differ greatly from species in nearby southeast Asia. At being a separated continent, India's plants and animals go through an independent evolutionary process which made them very different an unique from nearby species.