#12: Using simple keys
The identification of biological organisms can be greatly simplified using tools such as dichotomous keys. It is a written set of choices, each involving two statements, that leads to the name of an organism. Scientists use these to identify unknown organisms.
Consider the following animals. They are all related, but each is a separate species. Use the dichotomous key below to determine the species of each.
Answers:
A: Deerus magnus B: Deerus pestis C: Deerus octagis
D: Deerus purplinis E: Deerus deafus F: Deerus humpis
As seen above:
Try this
A: Deerus magnus B: Deerus pestis C: Deerus octagis
D: Deerus purplinis E: Deerus deafus F: Deerus humpis
As seen above:
- the keys are mutually exclusive characteristics of biological organisms.
- they often begin with general characteristics and lead to more specific characteristics.
- you simply compare the characteristics of an unknown organism against an appropriate dichotomous key.
- if the organism falls into one category, you go to the next indicated couplet.
Try this