Transcript Identification Key

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.
Can you identify the following group
of five organisms by using a key?
A
B
C
D
E
F
A
B
Dichotomous Key
C
Group X
D
E
F
Vertebrates
Invertebrates
With
wings
With
wings
(bird)
with fins without E
fins
(goldfish)
(snake)
A
C
(bee)
Without
wings
Without
wings
with a
without
B
hard shell hard shell
(shrimp) (earthworm)
D
F
A
D
B
C
E
Numbered Key
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
Try to construct a key yourself to classify
the groups of plants in the Plant Kingdom
B
A
E
C
F
D
The Key
1. With chlorophyll
Without chlorophyll
2. With seeds
Without seeds
3. With flowers
Without flowers
4. With leaves and stems
Without leaves and stems
5. With vascular tissues
Without vascular tissues
go to 2
D - fungus
go to 3
go to 4
F - angiosperm
C - gymnosperm
go to 5
E - alga
A - fern
B - moss