Step 1: Definition of discontinuous distribution.
- Discontinuous distribution occurs when populations of a species are separated by large geographic distances or barriers.
Step 2: Example species.
- Ratitae birds (ostrich, emu, rhea, kiwi) are flightless birds found on different continents.
- Lungfishes are freshwater fish found in Africa, South America, and Australia, separated by oceans.
Step 3: Factors leading to discontinuous distribution.
- Continental drift (plate tectonics).
- Habitat fragmentation.
- Evolutionary history of the species.
Step 4: Comparison with other options.
- Frogs and salamanders: generally continuous distribution in their respective habitats.
- Protoherians: some continuity in Australia.
- Penguins and salamanders: not matching typical discontinuous pattern globally.
Step 5: Conclusion.
- The set exhibiting clear discontinuous distribution is Ratitae birds and Lung fishes.