The diagram below shows four fossils found in different time periods. Fossil A is the oldest and fossil D is the youngest.

Fossil A is from a four-toed animal and shares many similarities with fossil B. Likewise, fossil B shares many similarities with fossil C, and fossil C shares many similarities with fossil D, which came from a hoofed species. Additionally, fossil A and fossil D have never appeared in the same geologic time period.

Which of the following assumptions about the history of these fossils is best supported by this evidence?
A.
A new four-toed species evolved from a hoofed ancestor.
B.
A hoofed species died out and was replaced by an unrelated four-toed species.
C.
A new hoofed species evolved from a four-toed ancestor.
D.
A hoofed species interbred with a four-toed species to create a hybrid species.