1. Identification Key A biological key provides a rapid way of identifying unknown organisms. It sorts organisms into gradually smaller groups according to their specific characteristics. One of the most widely used key is the dichotomous key (meaning “divided into two parts”), which is based on a series of choices between two alternative descriptions.

2. Can you identify the following group of five organisms by using a key? A BC DEF

3. Dichotomous Key Group X VertebratesInvertebrates Without wings With wings (bird) E with fins (goldfish) A without fins (snake) C With wings (bee) B Without wings with a hard shell (shrimp) D without hard shell (earthworm) F ABC D EF

4. Numbered Key 1. Vertebrates ………………………………go to 2 Invertebrates …………………………..go to 3 2. With wings ………………………………..E - birds Without wings …………………………..go to 4 3. With wings ………………………………..B - bee Without wings …………………………..go to 5 4. With fins …………………………………..A - goldfish Without fins ……………………………..C - snake 5. With a hard shell …………………..D - shrimp Without hard shell ………………….F - earthworm ABC D EF

5. Try to construct a key yourself to classify the groups of plants in the Plant Kingdom A B C D E F

6. The Key 1. With chlorophyllgo to 2 Without chlorophyllD - fungus 2. With seedsgo to 3 Without seedsgo to 4 3. With flowersF - angiosperm Without flowersC - gymnosperm 4. With leaves and stemsgo to 5 Without leaves and stemsE - alga 5. With vascular tissuesA - fern Without vascular tissuesB - moss