1. Field Guides & Dichotomous Keys

2. Identifying Organisms
How do scientists or people identify organisms?
For example: birds, shells, rocks, trees
Answer: They use field guides or
dichotomous keys.

3. Dichotomous Key:
It is a tool used to identify organisms. For each trait, the key lists two contrasting options. By picking the option that match an organism’s feature, you can identify an organism.
Eventually, you reach a choice that does not direct you to another set of choices. Instead, the key states the identity of the organism.

4. Using a Dichotomous Key:
An entomologist collected several insect specimens from a local meadow. She assigned each specimen a number, and recorded her observations in the dichotomous key shown below.
What is the specimen number for the insect shown above?
A. Number 145
B. Number 256
C. Number 232
D. Number 123

5. Using a Dichotomous Key:
A student observed the following birds on a field trip. The student used a dichotomous key to classify each bird. What bird does Bird X represent?
Bird W Bird X Bird Y Bird Z
Dichotomous Key to Representative Birds
a. The beak is relatively long and slender Certhidea
b. The beak is relatively stout and heavy go to 2
a. The bottom surface of the lower beak is flat and straight Geospiza
b. The bottom surface of the lower beak is curved go to 3
a. The lower edge of the upper beak has a distinct bend Camarhynchus
b. The lower edge of the upper beak is mostly flat Platyspiza

6. Using a Dichotomous Key:B. C.
1. a. wings covered by an exoskeleton ………go to step 2
b. wings not covered by an exoskeleton ……….go to step 3
2. a. body has a round shape ……….ladybug
b. body has an elongated shape ……….grasshopper
3. a. wings point out from the side of the body ……….dragonfly
b. wings point to the posterior of the body ……….housefly

7. Scientific Naming
Common Name -the non-scientific name by which a species or organism is known
ex: humans
dog
Scientific Name – the two-part name for a species; the first word is the genus; the second word is the species
ex: Homo sapiens (humans)
Canis familiaris (dog)