Approximately 290 million years ago, Africa, India, and Australia were located near which region?

The correct answer is related to the ancient supercontinent Pangaea, which existed around 290 million years ago during the late Paleozoic era. During this time, the landmasses that would later become Africa, India, and Australia were actually positioned closer to the South Pole. This configuration had significant implications for the climate and biodiversity of the planet at that time.

Being near the South Pole, these regions experienced glaciation and unique environmental conditions, which influenced the types of organisms that could thrive there. Over millions of years, plate tectonics caused these landmasses to drift to their current positions, fundamentally altering their ecosystems and climates. Understanding the historical positions of these continents aids in grasping the evolution of Earth's geology and biota.

The other options do not accurately describe the positions of these continents during that period. The North Pole and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge are not relevant to the arrangement of Pangaea, while the Equator would have provided a noticeably different climate than what was experienced by these continents near the South Pole.