This lab uses 7 tests to determine the evolutionary relationships between plant samples X, Y, and Z and the known species Botana curus. The tests examine structural characteristics, pigmentation through paper chromatography, presence of the enzyme M, simulated gel electrophoresis of DNA, and translation of DNA into amino acid sequences to form proteins. Sample Z is found to be most closely related to B. curus based on sharing the most characteristics across the various tests. Genetic evidence from DNA is considered the strongest indicator of evolutionary relationships. Determining relatedness helps scientists understand biodiversity and how extinction of species can impact ecosystems.