Dichotomous Key

What is a dichotomous key used for in science?

• To organize biomes

• Classify organisms

• Identify bacteria only

• None of these

Using this dichotomous key, identify the name of the circled Fish, J.

• peacock flounder

• band-tail puffer

• trumpet fish

• spotted goat fish

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following characteristics will most likely be helpful in identifying a butterfly using a dichotomous key?

• Migrates north every spring

• hangs on branches

• flutters wings fast on hot days

• Wings have long extensions

A student discovers an arachnid with a segmented abdomen, long legs, and a tail with no stinger. The student uses the dichotomous key below to identify it. Which arachnid has the student found?

• Whip Scorpion

• Wind Scorpion

• Daddy long legs

• Scorpion

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

An illustration and a dichotomous key are given. What is the correct classification for this organism?

• Class Insecta

• Order Amblygygi

• Order Araneae

• Order Scorpiones

A student discovers an arachnid with a segmented abdomen, long legs, and a tail with no stinger. The student uses the dichotomous key below to identify it. Which arachnid has the student found?

• Whip Scorpion

• Wind Scorpion

• Daddy long legs

• Scorpion

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A table of arachnid and insect characteristics is shown. Which characteristic could be used to distinguish between
arachnids and insects?

• Jointed legs

• Body segments

• Presence of eyes

• Presence of antennae

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A dichotomous key for trees is provided. Hikers found a tree that has large brown cones and single sharp needles. What species of tree have the hikers found?

• Juniper

• Pine

• Spruce

• Fir

Using this dichotomous key, identity the name of the circled fish.

• band-tail puffer

• spotted goat fish

• peacock flounder

• trumpet fish

What is the purpose of a dichotomous key?

• to find a common ancestor

• to show the evolution of organisms

• to see what organisms eat

• to identify organisms