Pair A:

Most autotrophs can be classified into two categories: vascular and nonvascular. Nonvascular autotrophs require constant access to water; vascular plants have xylem and phylum cells which help them retain water to survive in drier environments (terrestrial biomes). Green algae are marine nonvascular producers which over time evolved to form vascular plants. This evolutionary process took millions of years but evidence shows relationships between the two phyla. For example, green algae and vascular plants share similar pigments such as chlorophyll b. This type of chlorophyll is beneficial in absorbing light energy. Also, both share similar food storage compounds- carbohydrates (starch). Lastly, both use cellulose to build their cell walls. The main structural difference between vascular and nonvascular plants is the presence of xylem and phylum cells. These cells help vascular plants transport nutrients and water throughout the plant so it doesnt need to be in constant contact with water. Green algae and other nonvascular plants need to use osmosis to obtain water and nutrients. Another structural adaptation vascular plants have developed is their ability to deal with salt water. Green algae can grow in salt water but vascular plants use specialized cells that control the import and export of salt.

Pair B:

All organisms have two different general cell structures: prokaryote and eukaryote. In the beginning, the first organisms were prokaryotes such as Archaea. Over long periods of evolutionary time, prokaryotes evolved into more complex cell structures-- eukaryotes. The main differences between the two cell types are: prokaryotic cells are unicellular while eukaryotic cells are often multicellular, they reproduce differently, and Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane bound organelles. However, there are also many similarities which led scientists to believe there is an evolutionary relationship between the two. For example: both use DNA as their genetic code, are enclosed by plasma membranes, filled with cytoplasm, and contain ribosomes. Structural adaptations of the eukaryotic cells make its construction more complex. For example, eukaryotic cells have histones which organize the DNA into chromosomes; prokaryotic DNA is naked of this protein.

Additionally, eukaryotic cells developed mitochondria which use oxygen to provide the cell with chemical energy. Prokaryotes break down inorganic or organic matter for their energy.

Pair C:

Lastly, amphibians and reptiles have an evolutionary relationship because of their many genetic similarities. Herp" is a vernacular term for reptiles and amphibians. Both classes are ectothermic, which means they derive heat from outside sources. Also, they lay eggs, have a three-chambered heart, and shed their skin. Fossils trace amphibians back around 370 million years and reptiles back 320 million years. Once the first reptiles evolved from the amphibians, they began diversifying very quickly. Unlike their amphibian ancestors, reptiles were able to adapt to the warmer, dryer environments found on dry land. For example, Reptilian skin is covered in scales and is thicker than amphibian skin, making it watertight. This enables reptiles to live on land in dryer environments. In addition, reptiles eggs are enclosed in amniotic fluid and do not depend on moisture from an immediate water sources. However, amphibians have soft jelly-like eggs which require constant moisture.