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

2. 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.

3. Keys consist of a series of choices that lead the user to the correct name of a given item.
“Dichotomous” means “divided into 2 parts”
Dichotomous keys always give 2 choices in each step.

4. ALWAYS!!!!!! Begin with the 1st pair of descriptions.
At the end of each description is either a classification or directions to go to another step.
DO NOT SKIP STEPS!!!!!!!

5. 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

6. Is the individual male or female?

7. Is the individual wearing a hat?
No Hat

8. Is the individual in the military?
Not Military

9. Is he wearing a dress uniform or a camouflage uniform?

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

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

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

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

14. Is the individual wearing black?
Not Wearing
Black

15. What is the individual wearing?
Suit
Jeans

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

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

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

19. What is the individual wearing?
Shorts
Pants

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

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

22. Is the individual wearing a hat?
No Hat

23. Is the individual wearing purple?
Not Wearing
Purple

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

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

26. Does the individual have a purse?
No Purse

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

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

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

30. What is the individual wearing?
Pants
Skirt

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

32. What color boots is the individual wearing?
Red
Black

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

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