TAXONOMY LAB
INTRODUCTION:
In the introduction:

Who is Carl Linnaeus and what was his contribution to taxonomy?

What is a taxonomic key used for?

Identify the domains and the kingdoms that make up those domains. List 2 characteristics of each.
Introduction checklist:

Answered every bulleted question in complete sentences in paragraph form

Used at least 2 different outside sources and cited them correct using APA in-text citation
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this lab is practice using taxonomic keys to classify organisms and to practice constructing
taxonomic keys.
MATERIALS: Shark picture, Shark taxonomic key, Salamander pictures, Salamander taxonomic key
PROCEDURE:
Before you begin, see the observations and data section for format.
Part I: Salamander
1. Choose who will be reading off the taxonomic key and who will be identifying the parts on the pictures.
These roles will be switched for part 2.
2. Look at the first diagram.
3. Read statement 1a and 1b.
4. Determine which statement is correct for that particular diagram.
5. Go to the next appropriate statement and continue until you have identified the family of each diagram.
6. Look at the second diagram and start back at 1a and 1b.
7. Continue until you have properly identified all of the salamanders on your sheet.
8. Be sure your partner has all the correct names on their data sheet (EACH PERSON WILL BE HANDING
IN A DATA SHEET WITH THEIR TYPED LAB)
Mrs. N Taxonomy Lab
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Part II: Shark
1. Switch roles with your partner. If you already did the reading, them you should be identifying the
diagrams.
2. Follow the same steps as you did before:
a. Look at the first diagram.
b. Read statement 1a and 1b.
c. Determine which statement is correct for that particular diagram.
d. Go to the next appropriate statement and continue until you have identified the family of each
diagram.
e. Look at the second diagram and start back at 1a and 1b.
f.
Continue until you have properly identified all of the sharks on your sheet.
OBSERVATIONS AND DATA:

Each student will be handing in the Data Sheet of the names with their types up lab.
CONCLUSION:
Why are dichotomous keys important and how can they be used by scientists. The conclusion is a minimum
of 4 to 6 sentences in length.
Mrs. N Taxonomy Lab
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