Dichotomous Keys

Tool used by a taxonomist to identify an unknown organism is a:

• dichotomous key
• binomial nmenclature
• scientific name
• binomial 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

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

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

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

Using this dichotomous key, identify the name of the circled Fish, J.

• peacock flounder
• band-tail puffer
• trumpet fish
• spotted goat fish

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Using this dichotomous key, identity the name of the circled fish.

• band-tail puffer
• spotted goat fish
• peacock flounder
• trumpet fish

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 table of arachnid and insect characteristics is shown. Which characteristic could be used to distinguish between
arachnids and insects?

• Jointed legs
• Body segments
• Presence of eyes
• Presence of antennae

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2