Who is known for conducting fossil correlations and observing similar coastlines globally?

The correct choice is Antonio Snider. He is recognized for his work in the mid-19th century, which included conducting fossil correlations and observing how similar coastlines around the world suggested a connection between continents. His analysis demonstrated that fossilized species found on different continents were similar, which indicated that these landmasses may have once been joined. This idea of matching coastlines was foundational in developing the theory of continental drift.

In contrast, while Alfred Wegener also contributed to the theory of continental drift and noted evidence such as fossils and geological formations that supported the idea of landmasses being once connected, Snider's specific focus on coastlines and fossil correlations makes him the most appropriate answer in this context. Harry Hess is known for his work on seafloor spreading, which is part of the plate tectonics theory but does not specifically relate to fossil correlations or coastlines. Charles Lyell, a prominent geologist known for his work in uniformitarianism, contributed to understanding Earth's processes but is not primarily associated with the fossil correlations or coastlines discussed in this question.