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.
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.

3. How to use a Dichotomous Key
Dichotomous Key in Action

4. 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

5. Is the individual male or female?

6. Is the individual wearing a hat?
No Hat

7. Is the individual in the military?
Not Military

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

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

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

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

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

13. Is the individual wearing black?
Not Wearing
Black

14. What is the individual wearing?
Suit
Jeans

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

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

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

18. What is the individual wearing?
Shorts
Pants

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

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

21. Is the individual wearing a hat?
No Hat

22. Is the individual wearing purple?
Not Wearing
Purple

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

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

25. Does the individual have a purse?
No Purse

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

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

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

29. What is the individual wearing?
Pants
Skirt

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

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

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

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