Name _____________________________ Date _______________ Period _______
Using a Dichotomous Key
Background:
Scientists use a dichotomous key to help them classify organisms, especially newly
discovered organisms across the world. A dichotomous key is a series of steps, each
leading down unique paths depending on an organism’s features. Dichotomous keys
inspired the writing of the “Choose your Own Adventure” book series where you, the
reader, made decisions for the main character in the story. At a certain point in the story
you were given two choices to make upon which you would turn to specific pages
throughout the book to find out whether you helped or hindered the life of main
character....
Procedure:
To help you see how dichotomous keys work, I have given you pictures of several
leaves that need classifying on my SmartBoard. In your groups, use the dichotomous
key below to name each leaf species you see. Write your answers on the diagram of the
Smartboard slide on the back of this paper.
You have 5 minutes to complete this task....