Dichotomous Key Chart

Tool scientists use to classify organisms

• classification chart

• secret decoder

• organism key

• dichotomous key

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

A dichotomous key for insects is given. To what order does an insect with two pairs of scaly wings belong?

• Coleoptera

• Heteroptera

• Diptera

• Lepidoptera

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

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

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

• physical features

• weather patterns

• environment

• diet

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

• Class Insecta

• Order Amblygygi

• Order Araneae

• Order Scorpiones

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 botanist discovers a new plant in the jungle. Which of the
following observations of the plant’s characteristics would be useful in determining its identity with a dichotomous key?

• It was discovered in the summertime

• It is wet from a recent rain storm.

• Its leaves curl up on the edges.

• It is eaten by native jungle ants.

What is a dichotomous key primarily used for in biology?

• Identifying organisms

• Measuring temperature

• Recording data

• Analyzing chemical reactions

Which of the following is a characteristic of a dichotomous key?

• It provides multiple pathways for identification

• It uses a series of yes/no questions

• It requires advanced mathematical calculations

• It is used for chemical analysis