Identifying Trees and Classification

The video tutorial covers the basics of binomial nomenclature, a system developed by Carolus Linnaeus for naming organisms using genus and species. It explains taxonomy, starting from broad categories like domain down to species. The tutorial then introduces the use of a dichotomous key for identifying trees, providing step-by-step examples with Shumard Oak and Eastern Redbud. The process involves examining leaf characteristics and other features to navigate the key and determine the correct species.

Who developed the binomial nomenclature system?

• Louis Pasteur

• Charles Darwin

• Carolus Linnaeus

• Gregor Mendel

What is the broadest category in the classification of organisms?

• Genus

• Species

• Family

• Domain

What is the first step in using a dichotomous key to identify a tree?

• Check the color of the bark

• Determine if the leaves are broad and flat or needle-like

• Measure the height of the tree

• Count the number of branches

If a tree's leaves are alternately arranged, which step should you proceed to in the dichotomous key?

• Step 8

• Step 4

• Step 2

• Step 6

What characteristic of leaves is checked at step 8 in the dichotomous key?

• Leaf color

• Leaf type (simple or compound)

• Leaf size

• Leaf arrangement

What is the correct identification for a tree with toothed or lobed leaves with spines?

• Shumard oak

• Eastern redbud

• White pine

• Maple

What is the final step in identifying the Shumard oak using the dichotomous key?

• Measure the leaf width

• Check if the leaves are star-shaped

• Check for the presence of acorns

• Examine the bark texture

In the second example, what is the shape of the leaves that leads to identifying the Eastern redbud?

• Oval

• Star-shaped

• Heart-shaped

• Triangular

What is the scientific name for the Eastern redbud?

• Acer rubrum

• Pinus strobus

• Cercis canadensis

• Quercus shumardii

What should you do if you encounter a term you don't understand while using the dichotomous key?

• Refer to pages 815-817 in the lab manual

• Guess the meaning

• Skip the step

• Ask a classmate