Name_________________________________________________ Hour_______ Date_______________
Fish Classification Lab
Directions: Use the dichotomous key to determine which numbers to put in the middle of your table
below and in turn help you determine the name of the fish.
Table: Fish Classification
Fish #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Dichotomous Key #’s Used
Fish Name
Name_________________________________________________ Hour_______ Date_______________
Fish Classification Lab
Questions: answer the following questions using complete sentences.
1. Why is it important to have a biological classification system?
2. Analyzing Data: What are some examples of basic differences among the fish pictured?
3. Drawing Conclusions: Does the dichotomous key you have just worked with have any
limitations in distinguishing between the species of fish?
4. Comparing & Contrasting: Do any of the fish appear to similar enough to be in the same
group/genus? If so, list the names of the fish.
5. Evaluating: What characteristics should be very similar in order to support an inference that
two fish are closely related?