Dichotomy Keys

When using a dichotomous key to identify organisms, what do we look at?

• physical features

• weather patterns

• environment

• diet

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

What step do we always start with when using dichotomous keys?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

What is a dichotomous key used for in science?

• To organize biomes

• Classify organisms

• Identify bacteria only

• None of these

Why is it important for a dichotomous key to be tested with actual specimens?

• To ensure it is long enough

• To verify its accuracy and reliability

• To make it look professional

• To increase its complexity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

The primary purpose of a dichotomous key in biology: (a)   . When using a dichotomous key to identify organisms, we look at: ​ (b)  

• To predict the evolutionary future

• A step-by-step way to identify organisms

• To classify organisms based on genetics

• To determine the age of fossils

• physical features

• genetics

• habitat and population

• fossils

What is an essential quality of the choices given at each step in a dichotomous key?

• They must be based on genetic similarities

• They should be mutually exclusive

• They need to be subjective

• They should be based on the organism's habitat

What is the name of bird W?
(a)  

• Geospiza

• Certhidea

• Camarhynchus

• Platyspiza

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What role do dichotomous keys play in environmental conservation?

• They help in creating more pollution

• They assist in identifying invasive species

• They are used to increase the number of species

• They decrease biodiversity

What should each step of a dichotomous key include?

• A detailed description of the organism

• A pair of contrasting statements

• A scientific name of the organism

• A list of all possible species