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Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?
1. Continental drift
2. Glacial cycles
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a)

1 only

(b)

2 only

(c)

Both 1 and 2

(d)

Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer

(c)

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Continental drift altered the position of landmasses, changed climates, and geographically isolated species. This isolation led to speciation and evolutionary diversification (Marsupials in Australia after Gondwana split). Statement 2 is correct: Glacial cycles (ice ages and interglacial periods) caused drastic climatic shifts, sea-level changes, and migration pressures. These cycles influenced adaptations, extinctions, and new evolutionary pathways. Additional information. Modern climate change is sometimes called the “Sixth Mass Extinction driver” – showing that, like glacial cycles in the past, human-induced warming may reshape evolution today.