1. Dichotomous Key Project
Make a dichotomous key using the “Field Guide”
Must pick 5 species from same Order or Family
List all observable and measurable characteristics of each species (at least 5)
Then, make a dichotomous key using “If/Then” Format

2. Step 1. Picking your species
Get a book from front. You will most likely have to share with a partner.
Pick your species (you and your partner may ONLY have 3 out of 5 species the same)
Select your species from same order or family (this means it will come from the same book, around same section. See next slide for more info)

3. Order & Family Domain [Archaea, bacteria, eukarya]
Kingdom [archaebacteria, eubacteria, protista, plantae, fungi, animalia]
Phlyum [there are 20 for animals and 10 for plants. Tells you the body type/build]
Class [mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects]
Order[more specific characteristics; animals that eat meat are in the order Carnivora and animals that eat insects are in the order Insectivora.]
Family [tells you what group the organism belongs to-contains such families as Felidae for cats and Sciuridae for squirrels. Familiy names always end in "idea]
Genus [Groups of species that may “look” like they are the same family—You may have a red fox, white fox. They are both foxes (same genus) but different species: For example, Vulpes (foxes) is a genus of the dog family (Canidae)
Species [similar physical characteristics that can and do interbreed and share the same gene pool; it is specific]

4. Example

5. Step 2: Find it’s scientific and common names
Write down the names of the Remember scientific names are binomial (two names: genus + species)
Common names are what we would call them (ex: red fox, white clover, etc.)
Your field guide book should tell you both of those names.

6. Step 3: List characteristics
*If you have already written down the names of your organisms, you can do this part at home by looking up each organism’s picture & characteristics
You must make a list of all observable and measurable characteristics (at least 5+). Be sure to write it for all 5 of your species.
For example, if you wrote wing-tip color for one bird, you must write it for all birds, etc.
So pick: eye color, wing span, beak size, beak shape, feather color…etc and list for all. At least one species must have a different characteristic than the rest.

7. Step 4. Make a dichotomous key
Must use “If…then” form. Must be couplets that compare the same characteristics (using (1a & 1b); using has/does not have format). Use scientific name for identification. For example: If
Then
1a. The plant bears flowers
Go to step 2
1b. The plant does not bear flowers
Go to step 3
2a. The plant bears white flowers …
2b….

8. Step 5. Pick one organism & research
Using a computer (at home or in class), research one organism and get its full taxonomy (DKPCOFGS). Include a picture of the organism as well.
*Please remember that your project must be typed.

9. Your final product must include:
List of scientific and common names for each species you have picked
A list of characteristics to go along with the species’ names
A dichotomous key according to instruction sheet
The full taxonomy from your research of one organism with picture
*THE FINAL PRODUCT MUST BE TYPED.