What is a dichotomous key?

A tool-

It is used by scientist to identify and classify new organisms

• Start with the first organism

• Read the first steps

• Decide which statement is true and follow the directions.

• The directions will lead you to a new pair of choices.

• Keep doing this until you come to a step that gives you the organisms name.

• Choose the next organism and repeat these steps.

• Do this until you identify every organism.

How do you use a dichotomous key?

• Start with the first organism

• Read the first steps

• Decide which statement is true and follow the directions.

• The directions will lead you to a new pair of choices.

• Keep doing this until you come to a step that gives you the organisms name.

• Choose the next organism and repeat these steps.

• Do this until you identify every organism.

Let's Practice...

• Start with the first organism

• Read the first steps

• Decide which statement is true and follow the directions.

• The directions will lead you to a new pair of choices.

• Keep doing this until you come to a step that gives you the organisms name.

• Choose the next organism and repeat these steps.

• Do this until you identify every organism.

Let's Practice...

• Start with the first organism

• Read the first steps

• Decide which statement is true and follow the directions.

• The directions will lead you to a new pair of choices.

• Keep doing this until you come to a step that gives you the organisms name.

• Choose the next organism and repeat these steps.

• Do this until you identify every organism.

Let's Practice...

Complete the knowledge check and practice dichotomous key questions on the following slides.