Dichotomous Keys

Dichotomous Keys

Year 7

What we are going to cover today

• What is a dichotomous key

• The different types of dichotomous keys

• How read and create dichotomous keys

What is a dichotomous key?

A diagram or text that helps us identify an organism after we identify its characteristics.

It's another way of helping us organise and classify living things.

We generally see them as either branching or tabular.

Multiple Choice

The scientific name of an organism is always its;

• Genus, species

• Species, Genus

• Kingdom, Species

Multiple Choice

What would the scientific name of this animal be?

• Chelonia mydas

• Canis lupis

• Danaus plexippus

• Vipera aspis

Multiple Choice

What would the scientific name of this animal be?

• Chelonia mydas

• Canis lupis

• Danaus plexippus

• Vipera aspis

Multiple Choice

What would the scientific name of this animal be?

• Chelonia mydas

• Canis lupis

• Danaus plexippus

• Halieetus leucocephalus

Tabular Keys

• Tabular dichotomous keys display the same information as a branching key, but often are used for large groups of organisms - as it takes up less space

• It makes them a bit tricky to construct, but easy enough to read

Multiple Choice

What would the scientific name of this animal be?

• Chelonia mydas

• Canis lupis

• Danaus plexippus

• Halieetus leucocephalus

Open Ended

What would be another characteristic you could include INSTEAD of shell or no shell?