Dichotomous Key Portfolio
This activity was modified from an activity at biologycorner.com . Credit is given for this original idea from this site.
Use the information that you learned in this lesson to use and create dichotomous keys. All
answers from this activity should be typed into the answer sheet. (Open the other file found on
the message board post to find the answer sheet that you will complete and turn in. If you have
word on your computer you may type answers directly into the answer sheet, save, and submit.
If you do not have word, print off the pdf version, write in your answers, scan, and submit).
Activity 1: Norns belong to the genus Norno and can be divided into eight species that are
generally located in specific regions of the world. Use the dichotomous key to identify the norns
below. Write their complete scientific name (genus + species) in the blank on your answer
sheet.
1. Has pointed ears .................................... go to 3
....Has rounded ears ....................................go to 2
2. Has no tail ............................................. Kentuckyus
....Has tail .................................................. Dakotus
3. Ears point upward .................................... go to 5
....Ears point downward ..............go to 4
4. Engages in waving behavior ............................. Dallus
....Has hairy tufts on ears ..........................................Californius
5. Engages in waving behavior ............................. WalaWala
....Does not engage in waving behavior....................go to 6
6. Has hair on head ............................................. Beverlus
....Has no hair on head (may have ear tufts) .......go to 7
7. Has a tail ............................................. Yorkio
....Has no tail, aggressive ............................ Rajus
A______________________
B_____________________
C____________________
D_______________________
E______________________
F_____________________
G_____________________
H_______________________
Activity 2: The dichotomous key shown below can be used to identify birds W, X, Y, and Z.
1. a. The beak is relatively long and slender………………..………………Certhidea
b. The beak is relatively stout and heavy…………………….…………..go to 2
2. a. The bottom surface of the lower beak is flat and straight……Geospiza
b. The bottom surface of the lower beak is curved………………….go to 3
3. a. The lower edge of the upper beak has a distince bend……….Camarhynchus
b. The lower edge of the upper beak is mostly flat………………….Platyspiza
Identify the scientific name of the bird in the blank on your answer sheet to identify each species.
Activity 3: Now it is your turn. Fill in all of the blanks in parts 2 and 3 of the dichotomous key on
your answer sheet, so that it contains information that could be used to identify the four animals
shown below.
earthworm
spider
fish
Dichotomous Key
1. a. Legs present……………………………………………… Go to 2
1. b. Legs not present………………………………………….. Go to 3
Characteristic
Organism
2. a. _________________________ ........... _________________________
2. b. _________________________ .......... _________________________
3. a. _________________________ ........... __________________________
3. b. ________________________ .............. __________________________
Photos for activity 3 property of clipart.com
dog