1.    The reason for the common characteristics shared by the plants in this lab is the fact that the plants
       had a great deal of DNA which was the same as that of the common ancestor, so this coded for
       similar enzymes and proteins (and hence structures) in each of these plants.

2.   a.)  Species Y was most similar to Botana curus based on this chromatography.
      b.)  Both species plant pigments separated into four bands of the same color.   The bands
            were in the same position on the chromatography paper.

3.    Going from left to right on the simple cladogram; (as the number of characteristics held in common
       with the common ancestor decrease) moss, fern, pine tree, (cactus or corn)

4.    The common ancestor to these plants would probably have leaves and chlorophyll, as
       all of the listed plants had leaves and chlorophyll.

5.    Other student answers may be acceptable besides those listed.

a.)  Some human practices which could preserve biodiversity include
      setting up protected areas, restrictions on logging, restoration of wetlands, and the establishment
      and enforcement of game seasons and catch restrictions.

b.)  To preserve sources of medicine, to preserve potential food sources, to preserve tracts of nature
      having aesthetic value.

6.   AAGCGG

7.   lysine -- arginine

8.    4            9.  4            10.    3            11.     1        12.    4        13.    4       14.    1   

15.    Biodiversity refers to the differences in living things in an ecosystem.

16.    Many possible answers such as logging, building more homes, building more highways, clearing forests for agriculture, etc.

17.    Botana curus may contain a cure for cancer or other diseases.   It may be the only source
         of medicine which will provide this cure.  

        Botana curus may provide a source of food or have aesthetic value.

        Other student answers may be acceptable.

18.   It is not worth the costs that will take to save Botana curus
        Other plants may serve as sources of the drug that Botana curus provides

        Other student responses may be acceptable.

19.    Other student responses may be acceptable besides those listed below.

a.)  cutting down forests for farming or logging, destruction of habitat
b.)  loss of sources of medicine, loss of potential food sources, destruction of aesthetic value
c.)  setting up protected areas, restrictions on logging, restoration of wetlands, game seasons
      and catch restrictions