The north american fossil primates are not likely direct ancestors of south american fossil primates known from about 36 mya. what aspects of eocene and later geography support this idea?

North America, South America, and Africa were all originally separated by sea. However, there are some theories that would allow for passage from Africa to South America via a land bridge with Antarctica. There are other theories that have man crossing from Europe to North America in boats staying close to the ice. In a way it is similar to island hopping.