Which line of evidence demonstrates historical connections between species based on geographic distribution?

• A. Fossil record
• B. Biogeography
• C. Genetic engineering
• D. Climate change

Answer: (B)

Biogeography studies how species are distributed across the globe and what those patterns reveal about past connections among populations. When related species appear in distant regions in ways that align with ancient continental layouts, it points to a common ancestor and historical connections shaped by processes like plate tectonics and past land bridges. This geographic patterning directly links where organisms are found to their evolutionary history, making biogeography the best evidence for historical connections between species. Fossil records and genetic data provide related insights, but biogeography specifically explains how location patterns reflect Earth's historical changes, while climate change is about shifting distributions rather than tracing historical connections.