Dichotomous Keys
So far, you have been learning about taxonomy - the classification of organisms. Taxonomy is such a broad topic, and with the addition of millions of undiscovered species, it can be difficult to easily simplify classification.
However, there is good news! The dichotomous key is a popular tool to identify organisms. It consists of an organized set of couplets of characteristics, and one can simply compare the characteristics of unknown organisms against the key. The key starts off with general characteristics, narrowing down until the unknown specimen is found to the indicated taxonomic level.
Today, you will be able to finish a dichotomous key of trees, identifying an unknown tree species through a series of couplets.
Good luck and happy tree identifying!
However, there is good news! The dichotomous key is a popular tool to identify organisms. It consists of an organized set of couplets of characteristics, and one can simply compare the characteristics of unknown organisms against the key. The key starts off with general characteristics, narrowing down until the unknown specimen is found to the indicated taxonomic level.
Today, you will be able to finish a dichotomous key of trees, identifying an unknown tree species through a series of couplets.
Good luck and happy tree identifying!