1. 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

2. 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