Using Observable Characteristics to Identify Objects Dichotomous Key Using Observable Characteristics to Identify Objects

What is a dichotomous key? A dichotomous key is a tool that allows the user to determine the identity of items in the natural world, such as trees, wildflowers, mammals, reptiles, rocks, and fish. Keys consist of a series of choices that lead the user to the correct name of a given item. "Dichotomous" means "divided into two parts". Therefore, dichotomous keys always give two choices in each step.

How to use a Dichotomous Key Dichotomous Key in Action

Use a dichotomous key to identify these individuals. Pick an individual to identify, When you are ready click start. Use a dichotomous key to identify these individuals. Start

Is the individual male or female?

Is the individual wearing a hat? No Hat

Is the individual in the military? Not Military

Is he wearing a dress uniform or a camouflage uniform?

Arnold Introducing He is a man wearing a hat and a military dress uniform. Return to Start

Hector Introducing He is a man wearing a hat and a camouflage military uniform. Return to Start

Greg Introducing He is a man wearing a hat, but not wearing a military uniform. Return to Start

Does the individual have facial hair or is he clean shaven?

Is the individual wearing black? Not Wearing Black

What is the individual wearing? Suit Jeans

Reggie Introducing He is a man with facial hair, wearing a black suit, but not wearing a hat. Return to Start

Hugo Introducing He is a man with facial hair, wearing a black shirt and jeans, but not wearing a hat. Return to Start

Bill Introducing He is a man with facial hair who is not wearing black or a hat. Return to Start

What is the individual wearing? Shorts Pants

Jack Introducing He is a clean shaven man who is wearing shorts, but not black or a hat. Return to Start

Kurt Introducing He is a clean shaven man who is wearing pants, but not black or a hat. Return to Start

Is the individual wearing a hat? No Hat

Is the individual wearing purple? Not Wearing Purple

What is the individual wearing Green Boa and Hat Red Boa and Hat

Doris Introducing She is wearing a purple dress and green boa and hat. Return to Start

Does the individual have a purse? No Purse

Introducing Erin She is wearing a purple dress and red purse, boa, and hat. Return to Start

Rhonda Introducing She is wearing a purple dress and red boa and hat. Return to Start

Gail Introducing She is wearing a hat, but not wearing purple. Return to Start

What is the individual wearing? Pants Skirt

Introducing Jenny She is wearing pants, but not a hat. Return to Start

What color boots is the individual wearing? Red Black

Mary Introducing She is wearing a skirt and red boots, but not a hat. Return to Start

Introducing Beth She is wearing a skirt and black boots, but not a hat. Return to Start