Dichotomous Keys

• What is a dichotomous key

• The different types of dichotomous keys

• How read and create dichotomous keys

A diagram or text that helps us identify and classify an organism after we identify its characteristics.

We generally see them as either branching or tabular.

It presents us with TWO options to choose from - di.

• A series of two-part choices

• Each option should be the opposite of one another - i.e. Has fur and Does not have fur

• Tabular dichotomous keys display the same information as a branching key, but often are used for large groups of organisms - as it takes up less space

• It makes them a bit tricky to construct, but easy enough to read