Leaf Dichotomous Key

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

• physical features

• weather patterns

• environment

• diet

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Simple or Compound Leaf?

• Simple

• Compound

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

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

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.

Which leaf is shown in the drawing?

• Magnolia

• Redbud

• Sweetgum

• None of the above

Which of the following characteristics would be useful in determining the identify of a tree in a dichotomous key?

• It provides shade

• It has a nest

• It has several birds in it

• Its leaves are long and narrow

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

How many options should every branch in a dichotomous key have?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

What is the primary purpose of a leaf dichotomous key?

• To identify leaf shapes

• To classify leaf colors

• To measure leaf size

• To determine leaf age

Which characteristic is most useful when using a leaf dichotomous key?

• Leaf color

• Leaf texture

• Leaf shape

• Leaf age