http://www.nsta.org/publications/interactive/galapagos/activities/classification.html
Classification of organisms is an important process for field biologists.
Classification includes the investigation of genetic relationships among
things, such as plants and animals, and the placement of these
organisms into an organized system.
Taxonomy is the branch of study that deals with the classification of
organisms. One of the most helpful tools of the taxonomist is the
dichotomous key. Keys are prepared by scientists who are experts on
a particular group, to make it easier for others to identify members of
that group.
People can use dichotomous keys to classify almost anything—animals,
plants, minerals, bacteria, etc.— into specific categories. The structure
of a dichotomous key is usually built upon dividing a group of objects
into two categories based on a particular characteristic. Each group is
subdivided by different criteria, until each group contains only a single
entity.
Jelly Belly Classification Key
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Questions:
1. How did the different types of algae compare?
2. What characteristics were the most useful in this process of identification?
3. How did the key help you in this identification process?
Name
Date
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or
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What other characteristics might be used to identify leaves with a dichotomous key?
Does a dichotomous key begin with general descriptions and then proceed to more specific descriptions
vice versa? Explain.
What characteristics might be used to identify birds or other animals using dichotomous keys?
Questions:
1. How is a dichotomous key a useful tool in science?
2. What might happen if we did not accurately classify living things?
Questions:
1. What properties did you use to classify the seeds?
2. How would you classify a group of objects such as books?
3. Compare your classification system with that of another group. Describe the similarities and differences
between the two.
4. Why is it an advantage to scientists to use a standardized system to classify organisms?