Dichotomous Key Notes Dichotomous Keys Dichotomous Divided into

Dichotomous Key Notes

Dichotomous Keys Dichotomous: Divided into two parts. Dichotomous Key: A tool used to identify living things by making choices between 2 sets of structural adaptations.

Dichotomous Key Article https: //drive. google. com/open? id=1 j. Bbp. V 6 f. CJ 8 s -7 ce. IQNm. J 8 w. B 9 ju. Fc 5 y. J 2

Tips for using a dichotomous key • Choose one organism. • ALWAYS Start with #1 and follow instructions until you identify the organism. • If you are unsure of an adaptation that is being described, then compare to other organisms or consult instructions/ diagrams. • Once you are finished identifying your first organism, choose another. • Begin with Step 1 every time you begin to identify a new organism.

Find the species name for the dog the house cat, and the polar bear 1 a If family is Ursidae- go to 2 1 b If family is not Ursidae– go to 3 2 a If coat color is Black 2 b If coat color is White – Ursus horribilus Ursus arctos 3 a If family is Canidae- go to 4 3 b If family is Felidae- go to 5 4 a If coat color is Black & grey – Canis lupus 4 b If coat color is white with brown spots- Canis familiaris 5 a If genus is Panthera 5 b If genus is Felis- go to 6 6 a If coat is Gray 6 b If coat is Tan with spots & stripes- Panthera pardus Felis catus Felis pardalis Challenge: can you re-create this DK with less steps?

Insect Guide

1 2 4 5 3 4 6

Leaf Guide

Tips for creating your own dichotomous key Step 1 - find a characteristic that divides your group into two major groups. NO organism can fall into both groups! 1 a- go to step 2 1 b- go to step ____. (this step will be created after you have identified all organisms that fit into the 1 a classification) Step 2 - identify all organisms that fit into this group (you may use multiple steps) before you begin to identify organisms that fit into 1 b.