Identification Key

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Identification Key
A biological key provides a rapid way of
identifying unknown organisms. It sorts
organisms into gradually smaller groups according
to their specific characteristics. One of the
most widely used key is the dichotomous key
(meaning divided into two parts) , which is
based on a series of choices between two
alternative descriptions.
2
Can you identify the following group of five
organisms by using a key?
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Dichotomous Key
Group X
Vertebrates
Invertebrates
With wings (bird) E
Without wings
Without wings
With wings (bee) B
without fins (snake) C
with a hard shell (shrimp) D
without hard shell (earthworm) F
with fins (goldfish) A
4
Numbered Key
A
B
C
D
E
F
1. Vertebrates go to 2
Invertebrates ..go to 3 2. With wings
..E - birds Without wings
..go to 4 3. With wings ..B
- bee Without wings ..go to 5 4.
With fins ..A - goldfish Without
fins ..C - snake 5. With a hard shell
..D - shrimp Without hard shell
.F - earthworm
5
Try to construct a key yourself to classify the
groups of plants in the Plant Kingdom
C
B
D
A
F
E
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The Key
1. With chlorophyll go to 2 Without
chlorophyll D - fungus 2. With seeds go to
3 Without seeds go to 4 3. With
flowers F - angiosperm Without flowers C
- gymnosperm 4. With leaves and stems go to 5
Without leaves and stems E - alga 5. With
vascular tissues A - fern Without vascular
tissues B - moss