1 / 14

Understanding Dichotomous Keys: A Practical Guide for Identifying Organisms

Dichotomous keys are powerful tools used for determining the identity of various organisms, from butterflies to rocks. By navigating a series of yes/no choices based on specific characteristics like structure and behavior, users can arrive at the correct identification. This method resembles a scavenger hunt, where each answer leads to another question, gradually revealing the organism’s name. For example, questions about leaf shape or animal features help classify species effectively. Creating your own dichotomous key can enhance understanding of classification in a fun, interactive way.

aderes
Télécharger la présentation

Understanding Dichotomous Keys: A Practical Guide for Identifying Organisms

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Classification

  2. What are Dichotomous Keys? • a method for determining the identity of something (like the name of a butterfly, a plant, a lichen, or a rock) by going through a series of choices that leads the user to the correct name of the item. • A dichotomous key is a listing of characteristics, such as structure and behavior, organized in such a way that an organism can be identified or classified. • Think of a dichotomous key as a type of scavenger hunt. • Dichotomous means "divided in two parts".

  3. Using a dichotomous key At each step of the process of using the key, the user is given two choices; each alternative leads to another question until the item is identified. 1a. If the leaves are flat….go to question 4. 1b. If the leaves are needle-like….go to question 2. 2a. Are the needles in a bunch? Go to question 5 2b. Are they spread along the branch?“…pine tree Eventually, when enough questions have been answered, the identity of the tree is revealed.

  4. DICHOTOMOUS KEY EXAMPLE 1. a. tail fins are horizontal—whale………………….go to 2 b. tail fins are vertical—fish……………………….go to 3 2. a. has teeth or tusk—toothed whale………………..go to 4 b. has no teeth………………………...BALEEN WHALE 3. a. has gill slits behind mouth—shark…….………...go to 5 b. has no gill slits……………………..NONSHARK FISH 4. a. black with white underside………….KILLER WHALE b. tusk, gray with dark spots………………....NARWHAL 5. a. head is hammershaped……..HAMMERHEAD SHARK b. tail is half the body length……….THRESHER SHARK

  5. MAKING A DICHOTOMOUS CLASSIFICATION KEY http://www.qacps.k12.md.us/ces/Staff2.htm

  6. POSSIBLE“DERIVED CHARACTERS” • Hammer-like head • All made of one material • Is it hinged • Has a sharp edge • Has holes

  7. Hammer-like head NO Hammer-like head

  8. Hammer-like head NO Hammer-like head

  9. Hammer-like head NO Hammer-like head ALL Made of Wood NOT ALL Made of Wood

  10. Hammer-like head NO Hammer-like head Sides of head are different Sides of headNOT different

  11. Hammer-like head NO Hammer-like head Sides of head are different Sides of headare NOT different All wooden NOT all wooden

  12. Hammer-like head NO Hammer-like head Sides of head are different Sides of headare NOT different ? ? All wooden NOT all wooden

  13. Engage Activity –Create your own dichotomous key Create a dichotomous key to identify people in this classroom, using questions based on gender, hair length/color, You cannot use anything that is removable. Females= will make a key for every male Males= will make a key for every female. 1a. Does the person have long hair? Go to question 2. 1b. Does the person have short hair? Go to question 3.

More Related