Dichotomous Keys and Taxonomy

Taxonomy and
dichotomous key

​Learning Objectives:
-identify organisms using a dichotomous key
-design a simple key to classify different objects

Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the branch of science that classifies and groups organisms based on their shared characteristics.

How many different species live on Earth?

Currently, scientists have formally identified and named around 2.16 million species.

And most of the ocean hasn't even been explored yet??!!

Dichotomous key (taxonomic key)

-A dichotomous key is a tool for identifying organisms or objects. It asks yes or no questions to narrow down the possibilities until the correct identification is reached.

-The word "dichotomous" means "divided into two parts".

How would you categorize these shapes?