Explains close puzzle-piece fit of east coast of South America with west coast of Africa, and other continent edges. Explains distribution of seed ferns throughout southern continents. Explains distribution of early reptiles across many continents from time when land was conjoined. Explains divided distribution of mammals that evolved after continents parted. Simplest explanation is having a common ancestor whose basic forelimb plan was modified in succeeding groups as each continued along its own evolutionary pathway.
Homologous structures are similar structures derived through descent from a common ancestor.
Vestigial structures are evidence of an organism's evolutionary history. Flightless birds have vestigial wings. Snakes have remnants of a pelvic girdle. Humans have a tail bone but no tail. Related species share embryological development.