Dichotomous Key An aid/ tool scientists use to help them identify unknown organisms. Consists of descriptive pairs of statements Only 1 of the 2 statements will apply to the organism Statements lead to other statements until you isolate the new organism based on its specific characteristics
Example Dichotomous Key Try and identify this “Shoe species” 1a. Shoe is white…………….Go to 2 1b. Shoe has color…………..Go to 3 2a. Shoe has laces………….. Go to 4 2b. Shoe doesn’t have laces………. White flat dress shoe 3a. Shoe has a heel………… Go to 5 3b. Shoe doesn’t have a heel……… Go to 6 4a. Shoe has a Nike sign……………… Running Nike shoe 4b. Shoe has no signs…………………… Tennis Shoe 5a. Shoe has open toe………………. Go to 7 5b. Shoe has closed toe…………….. Got to 8 6a. Shoe has flower on it………………………….. Fancy red flower shoe 6b. Shoe has no added decoration……………….flat brown teacher shoe 7a Shoe is pink………………………………Flashy Pink dress shoe 7b.Shoe is black…………………………… Stylish black heel