Fossil remains of a particular species found in both Africa and South America suggest the rock formation is from which geological period?

The fossil remains of a particular species found in both Africa and South America suggest a time when the continents were still connected as part of the supercontinent Gondwana, which played a crucial role in the distribution of species. The correct geological period indicated by such findings is the Cretaceous period. During the Cretaceous, which lasted from about 145 million to 66 million years ago, there was significant continental drift, but many species were still able to inhabit both regions before the final separation of the continents.

This indicates that the species in question was adaptable and widespread during a time when the continents were linked, providing a more coherent habitat for various life forms. The other periods mentioned do not align with the geological evidence of shared species between Africa and South America in the way the Cretaceous does. The Jurassic, for example, preceded the time when these continents had distinctly separated ecosystems. Pre-Cambrian refers to a time far earlier in Earth's history, well before complex life forms, and the Paleozoic era, while significant, encompasses a time when the configuration of landmasses and biodiversity was vastly different from what is seen during the Cretaceous.