Tennessee SPI Objective:

1
SPI 0807.5.1 Classification Keys
Notes
Science
Tennessee SPI Objective Use a simple
classification key to identify an unknown
organism.
Essential Question(s) How do I use 1) a
dichotomous key to identify an organism? 2) a
classification table to identify an organism? 3)
a flow chart to identify an organism? 4) a
branch diagram to identify an organism?
Instructions for Students 1) Make sure you view
this presentation in slideshow mode. 2) You can
find instructions about how to do this by doing a
Google search or by searching YouTube. 3) After
you have it in slideshow mode, press the
right-arrow keyboard button to advance through
the presentation. 4) If you need help, please
communicate with your teacher.
Success Criteria I can 1) identify an organism
with a dichotomous key. 2) identify an organism
with a classification table. 3) identify an
organism with a flow chart. 4) identify an
organism with a branch diagram. ing
products. 3) I can contrast adaptive and
assistive bioengineering products.
2

• Four Types of Classification Keys
• scientists use these keys to help them identify
  organisms

Dichototmous Keys -paired statements to identify
organisms
Classification Tables -has columns and rows with
information
Flow Charts -lines branch off from given traits
Branch Diagram -traits apply to all organisms
that come after
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Dichotomous Key Practice A) B)

Starting at the top (1a and 1b) read the paired
statements.
On the right, select the choice that best fits.
Dichotomous Key Example (for identifying species
of bears)
Common Name Black Bear
Ursus americanus
1a. It has white fur------------------species
Ursus maritimus 1b. It does not have white
fur-----Go to step two 2a. It has brown
fur-----------------species Ursus arctos 2b. It
does not have brown fur-----Go to step three 3a.
It has black fur------------------species Ursus
americanus 3b. It doe not have black fur-------Go
to step four
Video Link Dichotomous Key Tutorial
4

Stegosaurus
Apatosaurus
T.Rex
Pterodactyl
Identify this species of dinosaur
Dino 3
Dino 4
Dino 1
Dino 2
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Classification Key Activity
Make a dichotomous key about these 4 organisms
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SPI 0807.5.1 Classification Keys
Science
Review
Here is a question you might see on a quiz or
test.
7
SPI 0807.5.1 Classification Keys
Science
Review
Here is a question you might see on a quiz or
test.
8
SPI 0807.5.1 Classification Keys
Science
Review
Here is a question you might see on a quiz or
test.
9
SPI 0807.5.1 Classification Keys
Science
Review
Here is a question you might see on a quiz or
test.
10
SPI 0807.5.1 Classification Keys
Science
Review
Here is a question you might see on a quiz or
test.