2022 · Q95
Which one of the following geologic time periods is associated with the first appearance of the marsupials?
indian-world-geographygeomorphology
- ALower Cretaceous
- BUpper Cretaceous
- CEarly Jurassic
- DMiddle Jurassic
Explanation
The first appearance of marsupials (metatherians) is associated with the Lower (Early) Cretaceous — the earliest known metatherian, Sinodelphys szalayi from China, dates to about 125 million years ago. The Upper Cretaceous (option B) sees their later diversification, while the Jurassic options (C, D) predate mammals of this group. Hence option A.