Dichotomous Keys

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Classification Noun

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[klas-uh-fi-kay-shun]

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Classification

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The process of grouping and organizing living organisms into categories based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.

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Example: This diagram shows how living things are classified into broad groups like Kingdom, which are then sorted into increasingly specific groups, down to a single species.

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Taxonomy Noun

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[tak-son-uh-mee]

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Taxonomy

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The science of naming, defining, and classifying groups of biological organisms on the basis of their shared characteristics.

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Example: This image shows different types of mushrooms, which can be sorted into groups based on their features, demonstrating the scientific practice of taxonomy.

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Dichotomous Key Noun

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[dahy-kot-uh-muhs kee]

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Dichotomous Key

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A tool used to identify organisms by working through a series of paired, contrasting statements that lead to an identification.

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Example: This diagram shows how a dichotomous key works by using a series of paired questions (e.g., 'Has seeds' or 'No seeds') to identify different types of plants.

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Phylogenetic Tree Noun

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[fahy-loh-juh-net-ik tree]

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Phylogenetic Tree

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A branching diagram that illustrates the inferred evolutionary relationships and common ancestry among various biological species or groups.

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Example: This diagram shows a phylogenetic tree, which is like a family tree for different species. It shows how animals are related based on shared traits.

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Species Noun

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[spee-sheez]

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Species

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A fundamental category of taxonomic classification, consisting of related organisms that are capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring.

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Example: This image shows many different types of animals, or species, in one habitat. A dichotomous key is a tool used to identify each specific species.

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Branching Key Noun

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[branch-ing kee]

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Branching Key

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A type of dichotomous key that visually represents choices in a branching, flowchart-like format to guide organism identification.

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Example: This diagram shows a branching key used to classify vertebrates. By answering a series of yes/no questions, you follow a path to identify an animal's class.

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Tabular Key Noun

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[tab-yuh-ler kee]

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Tabular Key

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A type of dichotomous key that presents paired, contrasting choices in a numbered, list-based format for organism identification.

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Example: This image shows a tabular key, a tool to identify organisms. You follow numbered steps, choosing between two descriptions at each step to find the correct name.

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Scientific Name Noun

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[sahy-uhn-tif-ik neym]

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Scientific Name

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The formal, two-part name given to a species, consisting of its genus and species, used universally in science.

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Example: This diagram shows the levels of scientific classification, from broad (Kingdom) to specific (Species). A scientific name combines the Genus and Species, like *Homo sapiens*.