Dichotomous Keys

What is a dichotomous key used for in science?

• To organize biomes

• Classify organisms

• Identify bacteria only

• None of these

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

• physical features

• weather patterns

• environment

• diet

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

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Which of the following characteristics will most likely be helpful in identifying a butterfly using a dichotomous key?

• Migrates north every spring

• hangs on branches

• flutters wings fast on hot days

• Wings have long extensions

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

• Coleoptera

• Heteroptera

• Diptera

• Lepidoptera

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 student discovers an arachnid with a segmented abdomen, long legs, and a tail with no stinger. The student uses the dichotomous key below to identify it. Which arachnid has the student found?

• Whip Scorpion

• Wind Scorpion

• Daddy long legs

• Scorpion

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

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

• Class Insecta

• Order Amblygygi

• Order Araneae

• Order Scorpiones

What is the name of bird W?

• Certhidea

• Geospiza

• Camarhynchus

• Platyspiza

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is the name of bird Z?

• Certhidea

• Geospiza

• Camarhynchus

• Platyspiza

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2