Question #N914
The author of the passage states that "the world’s understanding of the geographical distribution of mixopterids has been dramatically expanded" by the discovery of a fossil mixopterid, *Terropterus xiushanensis*, in the paleocontinent of Gondwana. The author claims that previous fossil evidence of mixopterids was found only in the paleocontinent of Laurussia. What is the main idea of the passage?
The discovery of the *Terropterus xiushanensis* fossil is significant because it
A. proves that mixopterids were more closely related to modern arachnids and horseshoe crabs than previously thought.
B. provides evidence that mixopterids existed outside of the paleocontinent of Laurussia.
C. challenges the accepted view of the geographical distribution of mixopterids, which previously thought that they were found only in Laurussia.
D. reveals that mixopterids were more diverse than previously thought, with more than four species found in the fossil record.
Correct Answer is: B
The passage focuses on the fact that the *Terropterus xiushanensis* fossil was found in Gondwana, a paleocontinent where no mixopterid fossils had been previously found. This expanded understanding of mixopterid distribution is the main idea of the passage.