Lab Test 1

Question 1

what is a dichotomous key ?

Answer 1

A key used to rapidly identify a limited number of organism.

Question 2

How do you design a dichotomous key?

Answer 2

Always consider two possibilities at one time.
Two forms:
- flow chart
-a sequence of descriptive statements

Key points
- simple and observable characteristic
- feature assessed yes or no; providing the possibility to split a group in two

Question 3

Why dichotomous keys ?

Answer 3

The idea is to identify an organism without having to cut it open and observing its internal components.