BUFFALO ZOO
DICHOTOMOUS
KEY ACTIVITY
FIELD GUIDE
• Activity I:
Observable
Characteristics
Dichotomous Key
• Activity II:
Rainforest
Consumers
Dichotomous Key
• Activity III:
Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key
• Activity IV:
Animal Exhibit SelfCreated
Dichotomous Key
Observable
Characteristics
Dichotomous Key
Directions
1. Choose 4 of the animals from the
list below and write their names
in the ANIMAL BOX at the top of
the Observable Characteristics
Dichotomous Key: axis deer,
addax, Indian one-horned
rhinoceros, peafowl, roan
antelope and spotted hyena.
2. Organize the 4 selected animals
into a 2-3 tiered dichotomous
key based on their observable
characteristics. Do not use color
or size; the color of animals can
change with the seasons, and
the size of an animal can change
as it grows from a baby to an
adult.
3. Begin by choosing a Property
(ex. Head Adornment) that will
separate your animals into 2
groups of 2 animals OR 2
groups, one containing 1 animal
and the other containing 3
animals in order to start your
primary sort. Write the Property
in Line A on the dichotomous
key.
4. Describe the property by placing
a Descriptor in Line B (ex. Has
Antlers) and the opposite
Descriptor in Line C using the
No/Not Format (ex. Does Not
Have Antlers).
5. Organize the 4 animals from the
ANIMAL BOX into Box 1 and
Box 2 based on whether they
possess the descriptor (write
these animals in Box 1) or not
(write these animals in Box 2).
Remember to ONLY use the 4
selected animals from the
ANIMAL BOX!
6. Continue your sort using the
animals from Box 1, only if 2-3
animals are in the box. If only 1
animal is present, that animal’s
sort is complete.
7. Choose any Property (it may OR
may not be the same property as
the primary sort) that will
separate your animals into 2
groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups,
one containing 2 animals and
the other containing 1 animal in
order to start your secondary
sort. Write the Property in Line
D on the dichotomous key.
Remember, the animals are
being separated by observable
characteristics!
8. Describe the property by placing
a Descriptor in Line E and the
opposite Descriptor in Line F
using the No/Not Format.
9. Organize the 2 OR 3 animals
from Box 1 into Box 3 and Box 4
based on whether they possess
the descriptor (Box 3) or not (Box
4) by writing the animals in the
appropriate box. Remember to
ONLY use the animals listed in
Box 1.
10. Continue your sort using the
animals from Box 2, only if 2-3
animals are in the box. If only 1
animal is present, that animal’s
sort is complete.
Organize the animals into 2
hand-drawn boxes based on the
Descriptor.
11. Choose any Property (it may
•
Use the Buffalo Zoo map to
locate the area of the zoo
needed for the the
Observable Characteristics
Dichotomous Key activity.
•
The Vocabulary pages can be
used as a companion piece to
the Observable
Characteristics Dichotomous
Key activity.
•
If using the Dichotomous
Key Field Guide for this
activity, the boxed
information will aid
students in choosing
Properties and Descriptors
for the Observable
Characteristics
Dichotomous Key activity.
•
The Vocabulary sheet and
Field Guide should be used if
the teacher deems them
necessary, based on class
and individual student ability
levels.
OR may not be the same
property as the primary sort)
that will separate your animals
into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2
groups, one containing 2 animals
and the other containing 1
animal in order to continue your
secondary sort. Write the
Property in Line G on the
dichotomous key. Remember, the
animals are being separated by
observable characteristics!
VARIA
12. Describe the property by placing
a Descriptor in Line H and the
opposite Descriptor in Line I
using the No/Not Format.
13. Organize the 2 or 3 animals
from Box 2 into Box 5 and Box 6
based on whether they possess
the descriptor (Box 5) or not (Box
6) by writing the animals in the
appropriate box. Remember to
ONLY use the animals listed in
Box 2.
14. If any of boxes 3-6 contain 2
animals, draw a tertiary sort
under the appropriate secondary
sort. Remember, the animals are
being separated by observable
characteristics! Do not forget to
include the Property for the
sort. Also, include the
matching Descriptor using
the No/Not format.
Observable Characteristics
Dichotomous Key Map-Go to
the circled area on the map to
complete this activity.
Observable
Characteristics
Dichotomous Key
Vocabulary
•
Antlers- branched bone-like
outgrowths of the head; found on
the heads of males in the deer
family
•
Appendage- a body part
attached to the torso
•
Binocular Vision- having eyes
on the front of the head; allows
animal to see with good depth
perception; predators usually
have this type of vision
jumping and walking on soft
ground
•
Diurnal- active during the
daytime
•
Feathers- the body covering of
birds
•
Fur- a body covering for many
mammals; it consists of 2 layers,
the guard hairs (used for
protection and camouflage) and
the undercoat (provides warmth)
•
Hair- a body covering for some
mammals; consists of only 1
layer; elephants, rhinos, humans
and sea mammals possess this
•
Harems- a group of animals
where 1 male lives and mates
with many females
•
Head Adornment- possessing
body parts other than ears on
the head (crests, antlers, horns,
etc.)
•
Bipedal- walks on 2 legs
•
Camouflage- allows an animal to
blend into their surroundings
•
Communal Dung Heaps- a
specific place where members of
a type of animal come to deficate
•
Crepuscular- active at dawn and
dusk
Hooves- the keratin sheath
covering the toe of an Ungulate
•
Horns- see True Horns below
•
Landfowl- a group of birds that
include domestic and game birds
•
Nocturnal- active at night
•
Nonretractable Claws- claws
that are always fully extended,
unlike those of a cat
•
Paws- the foot of a mammal that
has claws or nails
•
•
Crest- display feathers found on
the top of the heads of some bird
species
•
Dew- the water found on plants
at dawn; caused by transpiration
(water loss through the
stomates/holes in plant leaves)
•
Dewclaws- a high toe on some
mammals; in antelopes and deer,
it can provide traction when
•
Prehensile Lip- a lip capable of
finger-like grasping
•
Quadripedal- walks on 4 legs
•
Side Vision- having eyes on the
sides of the head; allows animal
to see on both sides of their body
simultaneously; prey animals
usually have this type of vision
•
True Horns- head adornment
that consists of a keratin sheath
surrounding a bony core; they
are not shed
•
Tubercules- bumps/outgrowths
on the skin of some mammals
•
Ungulate- hoofed mammal
ADDAX
Observable Characteristics
(for use with Observable
Characteristics Dichotomous Key I)
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Antelope
o Ungulate
• Habitat:
o Sandy, stony regions of the
Sahara Desert; Africa
• Adaptations:
o Crepuscular and nocturnal
o Does not drink water often
(desert dweller); gets water
from dew and the plants on
which it feeds
o Coat color changes lighter
in summer to reflect
sunlight (heat absorption)
• General Information:
o Critically endangered
•
Head Adornment
o 2 spirally twisted
horns
o True horns
Eye Placement
o Side vision
Appendages
o Hooves
o Dewclaws present
o Quadripedal
Body Covering
o Fur
o Scraggly beard on
front neck
o Short mane
o Tufted tail
Pattern
o Brown/black patch
on head
AXIS DEER
Observable Characteristics
(for use with Observable
Characteristics Dichotomous Key I)
•
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Deer
• Habitat:
o Grasslands and forests
along rivers; Asia
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o Spots are kept
throughout lifetime; aid
in camouflage
o Males retreat to forest to
shed antlers and grow a
new pair
o Good swimmers
• General Information:
o Not endangered
Head Adornment
o 2 antlers (males
only) with 3 points
Eye Placement
o Side vision
Appendages
o Hooves
o Dewclaws present
o Quadripedal
o Short non-tufted tail
Body Covering
o Fur
Pattern
o Spotted pattern on
body
o Dark stripe down
middle of back
INDIAN ONE-HORNED
RHINOCEROS
Observable Characteristics
(for use with Observable
Characteristics Dichotomous Key I)
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Rhinoceros
• Habitat:
o River plains,
swamp/forest adjacent
to plains; Asia
• Adaptations:
o Crepuscular, diurnal
and nocturnal
o Solitary
o Have communal dung
heaps
o Poor sight
o Excellent hearing
o Excellent sense of smell
o Good swimmer
• General Information:
o Critically endangered
•
Head Adornment
o Single horn on nose
o Not a true horn
(made of compressed
hair)
o Prehensile lip
Eye Placement
o Side vision
Appendages
o Quadripedal
o Tail has bristles on
the end
Body Covering
o Hair
o Loosely folded skin
that resembles armor
o Skin covered in
tubercules
o Brush tipped tail
PEAFOWL
•
Observable Characteristics
(for use with Observable
Characteristics Dichotomous Key I)
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Bird
o Landfowl- domestic bird
• Habitat:
o Open forest and
bushland; Asia
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o Live in harems
o Roost in trees at night
to avoid predators
o Males grow brilliant tail
feathers to attract a
female; tail feathers are
shed after mating
season
• General Information:
o Male- peacock, femalepeahen
o Not endangered
•
Head Adornment
o Brush-like feather
crest
o Beak
Eye Placement
o Side vision
Appendages
o Wings
o Bipedal
o Tail consists of tail
feathers
Body Covering
o Feathers
Pattern
o Eyespot pattern on
tail (on peacock prior
to molting)
ROAN ANTELOPE
Observable Characteristics
(for use with Observable
Characteristics Dichotomous Key I)
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Antelope
o Ungulate
• Habitat:
o Savanna (with some
wooded areas); Africa
• Adaptations:
o Crepuscular
o Aggressive; will fight if
threatened; will kick,
bite and sweep horns to
side for defense
o Second largest antelope
species
• General Information:
o Not endangered
•
Head Adornment
o 2 scimitar-like horns
o True horns
Eye Placement
o Side vision
Appendages
o Hooves
o Dewclaws present
o Quadripedal
o Tufted tail
Body Covering
o Fur
o Slight beard on front
neck
o Short mane of stiff,
black hairs
Pattern
o Large white patches in
front of eye
SPOTTED HYENA
Observable Characteristics
(for use with Observable
Characteristics Dichotomous Key I)
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Hyena
• Habitat:
o Savanna and semidesert areas; Africa
• Adaptations:
o Depends on location of
clan; can be diurnal,
crepuscular and/or
nocturnal
o Female led society
o Strong jaws to crush
bone
o Whoops to gather clan
o Laughs when
threatened
• General Information:
o Closer genetically to
cats than dogs
o Not endangered
Eye Placement
o Binocular vision
Appendages
o Paws
o Nonretractable claws
o Quadripedal
o Front legs longer than
hind legs
o Black tufted tail
Body Covering
o Fur
o Course mane
o Bushy tipped tail
Pattern
o Spots
Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key
Directions
1. Choose 4 of the animals from the
list below and write their names
in the ANIMAL BOX at the top of
the Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key: capybara,
chestnut-mandibled toucan, giant
anteater, ocelot, red-bellied
piranha, vampire bat.
2. Organize the 4 selected animals
into a 2-3 tiered dichotomous
key based on their consumer
type. This can be viewed at the
interactive display directly to the
right as you enter the interactive
display room.
3. Begin by choosing a Property
(ex. Consumer Type) that will
separate your animals into 2
groups of 2 animals OR 2
groups, one containing 1 animal
and the other containing 3
animals in order to start your
primary sort. Write the Property
in Line A on the dichotomous
key.
4. Describe the property by placing
a Descriptor in Line B (ex.
Omnivore) and the opposite
Descriptor in Line C using the
No/Not Format (ex. Not an
Omnivore).
5. Organize the 4 animals from the
ANIMAL BOX into Box 1 and
Box 2 based on whether they
possess the descriptor (write
these animals in Box 1) or
not (write these animals in
Box 2). Remember to ONLY use
the 4 selected animals from the
ANIMAL BOX!
6. Continue your sort using the
animals from Box 1, only if 2-3
animals are in the box. If only 1
animal is present, that animal’s
sort is complete.
7. Choose any Property (it may OR
may not be the same property as
the primary sort) that will
separate your animals into 2
groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups,
one containing 2 animals and
the other containing 1 animal in
order to start your secondary
sort. Write the Property in Line
D on the dichotomous key.
Remember, the animals are
being separated by consumer
type!
8. Describe the property by placing
a Descriptor in Line E and the
opposite Descriptor in Line F
using the No/Not Format.
9. Organize the 2 OR 3 animals
from Box 1 into Box 3 and Box 4
based on whether they possess
the descriptor (Box 3) or not (Box
4) by writing the animals in the
appropriate box. Remember to
ONLY use the animals listed in
Box 1.
10. Continue your sort using the
animals from Box 2, only if 2-3
animals are in the box. If only 1
animal is present, that animal’s
sort is complete.
11. Choose any Property (it may
OR may not be the same
property as the primary sort)
that will separate your animals
into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2
groups, one containing 2 animals
and the other containing 1
animal in order to continue your
secondary sort. Write the
Property in Line G on the
dichotomous key. Remember, the
animals are being separated by
consumer type!
VARIA
•
Use the Buffalo Zoo map to
locate the area of the zoo
needed for the the
Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key activity.
•
The Vocabulary pages can be
used as a companion piece to
the Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key activity.
•
If using the Dichotomous
Key Field Guide for this
activity, the boxed
information will aid
students in choosing
Properties and Descriptors
for the Rainforest
Consumers Dichotomous
Key activity.
•
The Vocabulary sheet and
Field Guide should be used if
the teacher deems them
necessary, based on class
and individual student ability
levels.
12. Describe the property by placing
a Descriptor in Line H and the
opposite Descriptor in Line I
using the No/Not Format.
13. Organize the 2 or 3 animals
from Box 2 into Box 5 and Box 6
based on whether they possess
the descriptor (Box 5) or not (Box
6) by writing the animals in the
appropriate box. Remember to
ONLY use the animals listed in
Box 2.
14. If any of boxes 3-6 contain 2
animals, draw a tertiary sort
under the appropriate secondary
sort. Remember, the animals are
being separated by consumer
type! Do not forget to include the
Property for the sort. Also,
include the matching Descriptor
using the No/Not format.
Organize the animals into 2
hand-drawn boxes based on the
Descriptor.
Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key Map- Go to
the circled area on the map to
complete this activity.
Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key
Vocabulary
•
Fur- a body covering for many
mammals; it consists of 2 layers,
the guard hairs (used for
protection and camouflage) and
the undercoat (provides warmth)
•
Graminivore- grass eater;
specialized herbivore
•
Amphibians- frogs, toads,
salamanders, newts and
caecilians
•
•
Aquatic Plants- plants that live
and grow in freshwater
environments
Herbivore- plant eater
•
Insectivore- eats insects; a
specialized carnivore
•
Bill- beak
•
•
Camouflage- allows an animal to
blend into their surroundings
Laps Blood- to take in liquid by
lifting it with the tongue
•
•
Carnivore- eats animals
•
Cellulose- component structure
of a plant’s cell wall
Later Line- line down the side of
the body of a fish; a sense organ
used to sense movement and
vibrations
•
Murky Water- water that is hard
to see through; it contains soil,
silt, etc.
•
Omnivore- eats plants and
animals
•
Nasal Heat Sensors- sensory
cells found by the nose that
detects the heat of an animal for
feeding purposes
•
Nocturnal- active at night
•
Reptiles- snakes, lizards, turtles
and crocodilians
•
Rosette Pattern- rose-like
markings on coat
•
Sanguinivore- specialized
carnivore that eats blood
•
Scavenger- eats carrion; animals
found already dead
•
Consumer- an organism that
gets food from its environment
•
Crepuscular- active at dawn and
dusk
•
Diurnal- active during the
daytime
•
Draculin- an enzyme in vampire
bat saliva that prevents blood
clotting; allows bat to feed freely
•
Feathers- the body covering of
birds
•
Feces- solid waste
•
Frugivores- eat 60% or more
fruit and other plants (a
specialized herbivore) OR 60% or
more fruit and other plants and
animals (a specialized omnivore)
•
Seed Disperser- an animal that
scatters seeds throughout a
habitat
•
Small Cat Species- cannot roar;
tuck paws under body and wrap
tail around themselves when
resting; feed in crouched position
•
Solitary- lives alone
•
Tapetum Lucidum- layer of the
retina in the eye that reflects
light back to the retina to aid in
night vision
CAPYBARA
Consumer Information
(for use with Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key II)
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Rodent
• Habitat:
o Rainforest and flooded
plains; South America
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o Slightly webbed feet for
swimming
o Roll in mud to prevent
sunburn due to coarse,
sparse hair
o Eat own feces to digest
tough cellulose in
plants
• General Information:
o Not endangered
Consumer: Herbivore
o Eats mainly grasses
o May eat aquatic
plants, tree bark and
fruit
o Grasses, aquatic
plants, tree bark and
fruit are plants or
come from plants
o Herbivores eat plants
Consumer: Grass eater or
graminivore
o Eats grasses
o Grass is a plant
o Graminivores are
specialized herbivores
that primarily eat
grasses
CHESTNUTMANDIBLED TOUCAN
Consumer Information
(for use with Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key II)
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Bird
• Habitat:
o Tropical Rainforest;
Central and South
America
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal; crepuscular
o Bill is hollow and
lightweight
o Share fruit trees with
mate; male feeds, leaves
½ the fruit for the
female and continues to
the next tree
o Seed disperser
• General Information:
o Not endangered
•
Consumer: Omnivore
o Eats mainly fruits and
berries
o May eat small
amphibians, reptiles
and eggs
o Fruits and berries
come from plants
o Amphibians, reptiles
and eggs are or come
from animals (meat
source)
o Omnivores eat plants
and animals
Consumer: Frugivore
o Eats primarily fruit
o Fruit is a plant
o The remaining portion
of a frugivores’ diet
could consist only of
other plants
OR
plants AND animals
o Frugivores can be
specialized herbivores
that primarily eat
fruit, but dine on
other plants as well
OR
specialized omnivores
that primarily eat
fruit, but dine on
animals as well
GIANT ANTEATER
Consumer Information
(for use with Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key II)
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Anteater
o Toothless mammal
• Habitat:
o Rainforest, grasslands,
deciduous forest; South
America
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal, nocturnal
when populations are
high
o Solitary
o No teeth; crushes
insects on hard growths
in mouth
o Their “bear hugs” kill
• General Information:
o Threatened
Consumer: Carnivore
o Eats ants and
termites
o Ants and termites are
insects
o Insects are animals
(meat)
o Carnivores eat meat
Consumer: Insectivore
o Eats ants and
termites
o Ants and termites are
insects
o Insectivores eat
insects
o Insectivores are
specialized carnivores
that only eat insects
OCELOT
Consumer Information
(for use with Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key II)
•
• Animal Classification:
o Cat
o Small cat species
• Habitat:
o Forest and thorn scrub;
North, Central and
South America
• Adaptations:
o Nocturnal
o Rosette pattern on fur
allows for camouflage
o Tapetum lucidum layer
of eye collects light for
good night vision
o Pluck feathers/fur from
prey prior to eating
• General Information:
o Critically endangered
Consumer: Carnivore
o Eats small mammals,
birds, amphibians,
fish and reptiles
o Mammals, birds,
amphibians, fish and
reptiles are animals
(meat)
o Carnivores eat
animals
RED-BELLIED
PIRANHA
Consumer Information
(for use with Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key II)
•
• Animal Classification:
o Fish
o Freshwater fish
• Habitat:
o Amazon River basin;
South America
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o Razor sharp teeth
replace themselves as
they fall out
o Locate prey in murky
water by sensing motion
using lateral line;
thrashing animal =
animal in distress
o Scavenger of humans
• General Information:
o Not endangered
Consumer: Omnivore
o Eats mainly fish,
insects and snails
o May scavenge dead
mammals, birds,
reptiles, etc.
o Fish, snails, insects,
mammals, birds and
reptiles are animals
(meat)
o Eats aquatic plants
while hiding in water,
awaiting its prey
o Aquatic plants are
freshwater plants
o Omnivores eat
animals and plants
VAMPIRE BAT
Consumer Information
(for use with Rainforest Consumers
Dichotomous Key II)
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Bat
• Habitat:
o Caves, tree hollows;
Central/South America
• Adaptations:
o Nocturnal
o Nasal heat sensors
locate blood close to
surface of prey
o Front teeth cut into
prey
o Lap blood with tongue;
do not “suck” it
o Possesses Draculin: an
enzyme in its saliva that
prevents blood clotting
• General Information:
o Not endangered
Consumer: Carnivore
o Eats blood
o Blood comes from
animals (meat)
o Carnivores eat
animals
Consumer: Sanguinivore
o Eats blood
o Blood comes from
animals
o Sanguinivores are
specialized carnivores
that only eat blood
Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key
Directions
1. Choose 4 of the animals from the
list below and write their names
in the ANIMAL BOX at the top of
the Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key: Dama
wallaby, desert cottontail, golden
lion tamarin, Japanese macaque,
Linne’s two-toed sloth, princess
parro, and snow leopard.
2. Organize the 4 selected animals
into a 2-3 tiered dichotomous
key based on characteristics of
their natural habitat. This
information can be obtained by
observing characteristics of the
Ecostation and Vanishing
Animals exhibits, and by reading
the available animal signage and
the natural habitat signage
(present in the Ecostation only).
3. Begin by choosing a Property
(ex. Dominant Plantlife) that
will separate your animals into 2
groups of 2 animals OR 2
groups, one containing 1 animal
and the other containing 3
animals in order to start your
primary sort. Write the Property
in Line A on the dichotomous
key.
4. Describe the property by placing
a Descriptor in Line B (ex. Vines
Present) and the opposite
Descriptor in Line C using the
No/Not Format (ex. No Vines
Present).
5. Organize the 4 animals from the
ANIMAL BOX into Box 1 and
Box 2 based on whether they
possess the descriptor (write
these animals in Box 1) or
not (write these animals in
Box 2). Remember to ONLY use
the 4 selected animals from the
ANIMAL BOX!
6. Continue your sort using the
animals from Box 1, only if 2-3
animals are in the box. If only 1
animal is present, that animal’s
sort is complete.
7. Choose any Property (it may OR
may not be the same property as
the primary sort) that will
separate your animals into 2
groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups,
one containing 2 animals and
the other containing 1 animal in
order to start your secondary
sort. Write the Property in Line
D on the dichotomous key.
Remember, the animals are
being separated by the
characteristics of their natural
habitats!
8. Describe the property by placing
a Descriptor in Line E and the
opposite Descriptor in Line F
using the No/Not Format.
9. Organize the 2 OR 3 animals
from Box 1 into Box 3 and Box 4
based on whether they possess
the descriptor (Box 3) or not (Box
4) by writing the animals in the
appropriate box. Remember to
ONLY use the animals listed in
Box 1.
10. Continue your sort using the
animals from Box 2, only if 2-3
animals are in the box. If only 1
animal is present, that animal’s
sort is complete.
Descriptor using the No/Not
format. Organize the animals
into 2 hand-drawn boxes based
on the Descriptor.
11. Choose any Property (it may
OR may not be the same
property as the primary sort)
that will separate your animals
into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2
groups, one containing 2 animals
and the other containing 1
animal in order to continue your
secondary sort. Write the
Property in Line G on the
dichotomous key. Remember, the
animals are being separated by
the characteristics of their
natural habitats!
12. Describe the property by placing
a Descriptor in Line H and the
opposite Descriptor in Line I
using the No/Not Format.
13. Organize the 2 or 3 animals
from Box 2 into Box 5 and Box 6
based on whether they possess
the descriptor (Box 5) or not (Box
6) by writing the animals in the
appropriate box. Remember to
ONLY use the animals listed in
Box 2.
14. If any of boxes 3-6 contain 2
animals, draw a tertiary sort
under the appropriate secondary
sort. Remember, the animals are
being separated by the
characteristics of their natural
habitats! Do not forget to
include the Property for the sort.
Also, include the matching
VARIA
•
Use the Buffalo Zoo map to
locate the area of the zoo
needed for the the Natural
Habitat Dichotomous Key
activity.
•
The Vocabulary pages can be
used as a companion piece to
the Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key activity.
•
If using the Dichotomous
Key Field Guide for this
activity, the boxed
information will aid
students in choosing
Properties and Descriptors
for the Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key activity.
•
The Vocabulary sheet and
Field Guide should be used if
the teacher deems them
necessary, based on class
and individual student ability
levels.
Natural Habitat Dichotomous
Key Map- Go to the circled area on
the map to complete this activity.
Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key
Vocabulary
•
Arboreal (animal)- lives in trees
•
Algae- mostly unicellular plants
•
Big Cat Species- can roar; sit
with paws out in front of them
and feed while laying down
•
Biodiversity- a measure of the
variety of organisms that live in a
specific area
•
Broadleaf Trees- any tree with
broad or flat leaves
•
Camouflage- allows an animal to
blend into their surroundings
•
Cheek Pouches- a fold of skin in
the mouth used for food storage
•
Climate- the condition of the
atmosphere over a long period of
time
•
Conifer Trees- fir trees
•
Cosmopolitan Animal- an
animal that can live in many
parts of the world
•
Crepuscular- active at dawn and
dusk
•
Deciduous Forest- a forest
characterized by deciduous trees
(broadleaf trees that lose their
leaves in winter)
•
Deciduous Trees- broadleaf
trees that lose their leaves in
winter
•
Deficate- producing solid waste
•
Desert- an area of land that
receives 10 inches of rain/year
or less
•
Diurnal- active during the
daytime
•
Energy Deficient Diet- eating
food that does not provide a large
amount of energy for survival
•
Foraging- to search for food
•
Frostbite- destruction of skin
cells due to exposure to
zero/subzero temperatures
•
Fur- a body covering for many
mammals; it consists of 2 layers,
the guard hairs (used for
protection and camouflage) and
the undercoat (provides warmth)
•
Geography- the land features
present in an area
•
Gregarious- animals living and
moving with others of their own
species
•
Habitat- the place where an
organism lives that provides it
with natural resources (ex. food,
water, shelter and mates)
•
Hot Springs- water that comes
to the surface of the earth from
below that is naturally heated by
the magma in the earth below
the surface
•
Inhabitant- an organism that
lives in a particular place
•
Joey- kangaroo baby
•
Lifespan- the amount of time an
organism can be expected to
survive
•
Litter- many young produced at
one birth
•
Marsupial- pouched mammal;
bear young at an early stage,
joey develops further in the
mother’s pouch
•
Meadows- grassland
•
“Mobbing” Behavior- defense
mechanism against predators
when a group of individuals of a
specific species attack/harass a
predator together
•
Nocturnal- active at night
•
Offspring- the young of an
organism
•
Parrot- tropical/subtropical
birds that possess short, hooked
beaks and (usually) brightly
colored feathers
•
Precipitation- any form of water
that falls from the sky (ex. rain,
snow, etc.)
•
Primate- a mammal with highly
developed hands and feet, a
short snout and large brain
•
Reproduce- bear young
•
Savanna- a flat tropical/
subtropical grassland
•
Scrub Forest- occurs between
30-40 degrees latitude, near
coasts with cold ocean currents;
most rain falls in winter; plantlife
characterized by drought
resistant shrubs
•
Seasons- a division of the year
marked by changes in the
weather
•
Shrubs- a relatively short woody
plant
•
Snowshoes- a broad surface that
allows one to walk in snow
without with ease
•
Temperature- a measure of how
hot or cold something is
•
Terrestrial (animal)- animals
that live on land
•
Treeline- the altitude limit on
mountains where trees cannot
grow; occurs in high altitudes
•
Tropical Rainforest- an area of
land located near the equator
that receives 67-300 inches of
rain/year; temperatures must be
at least 64 ◦F
•
Vines- a plant with a weak stem;
it supports itself by “climbing” on
objects or other plants
•
Woodlands- land with trees and
shrubs
DAMA WALLABY
Natural Habitat Information
(for use with Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key III)
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Small kangaroo
o Marsupial
• Habitat:
o Scrub forest and
savannas; Australia
• Adaptations:
o Crepuscular
o Strong tail used for
balance when hopping
and support when
sitting
o Joeys born prematurely
(28 days); finish
development in mother’s
pouch at 150 days
• General Information:
o Threatened
Climate
o 2 seasons (wet and
dry)
Geography/Animal Habitat
Characteristics
o Scrub forest
o Terrestrial
Precipitation
o 20-30 inches/year
Temperature
o 80-110 ◦F
Dominant Plantlife
o Shrubs
o Scattered trees
Biodiversity
o Low biodiversity
o Well adapted to dry
conditions
DESERT
COTTONTAIL
Natural Habitat Information
(for use with Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key III)
•
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Rabbit
• Habitat:
o Desert; North and
Central America
o Scrub forests
• Adaptations:
o Crepuscular and
nocturnal
o Cosmopolitan animal
o Can reproduce at 3
months old; females
have 2-4 litters/year;
average lifespan in wild2 years
• General Information:
o Not endangered
•
Climate
o 2 seasons (wet and
dry)
Geography/Animal Habitat
Characteristics
o Desert-like grasslands
o Terrestrial
Precipitation
o <10 inches/year
Temperature
o Can be <32 ◦F (night)
to 113 ◦F (day)
DESERT
Dominant Plantlife
COTTONTAIL
o Dry adapted grasses
o Shrubs
Biodiversity
o Low biodiversity
o Adapted to dry
conditions
GOLDEN LION
TAMARIN
Natural Habitat Information
(for use with Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key III)
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o New world monkey
o Primate
• Habitat:
o Tropical rainforests;
South America
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o Sharp nails and long
fingers allow for
arboreal life
o Males primarily raise
offspring
• General Information:
o Critically endangered
Climate
o 2 seasons (wet and
dry)
Geography/Animal Habitat
Characteristics
o Lowland coastal
rainforest
o Arboreal
Precipitation
o >100 in./year
Temperature
o 70-90 ◦F
Dominant Plantlife
o Broadleaf trees
o Vines
Biodiversity
o High biodiversity
because it is a
rainforest inhabitant
JAPANESE
MACAQUE
Natural Habitat Information
(for use with Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key III)
•
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Monkey
o Primate
• Habitat:
o Deciduous forest and
low hills; Japan
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o Cheek pouches carry
food while foraging
o Soak in natural hot
springs to warm up in
the winter
o Often washes food
before eating it
• General Information:
o Threatened
•
Climate
o 4 seasons (winter,
spring, summer and
fall)
Geography/Animal Habitat
Characteristics
o Hilly, deciduous forest
o Terrestrial
Precipitation
o 20-40 inches/year
Temperature
o < 32 ◦F-85 ◦F
Dominant Plantlife
o Broadleaf, deciduous
trees
Biodiversity
o Average level
o Adapted to seasonal
changes
LINNE’S TWO-TOED
SLOTH
Natural Habitat Information
(for use with Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key III)
•
• Animal Classification:
o Sloth
• Habitat:
o Rainforest; Central and
South America
• Adaptations:
o Nocturnal
o Slow moving; allows
survival on energy
deficient diet of leaves
o Comes down to forest
floor 1/week to deficate
o Green algae grows in
fur; aids in camouflage
• General Information:
o Not endangered
Climate
o 2 seasons (wet and
dry)
• Geography/Animal Habitat
Characteristics
o Tropical rainforest
o Arboreal
TWO-TOED
SLOTH
• Precipitation
o >100 in./year
• Temperature
o 70-90 ◦F
• Dominant Plantlife
o broadleaf trees
• Biodiversity
o High biodiversity
because it is a
rainforest inhabitant
PRINCESS PARROT
Natural Habitat Information
(for use with Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key III)
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Bird
o Parrot
• Habitat:
o Scrub forest and
woodlands; Australia
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o Participate in “mobbing”
behavior to deter
predators
o Gregarious; aids in
protection and
socialization
• General Information:
o Threatened
Climate
o 2 seasons (wet and
dry)
Geography/Animal Habitat
Characteristics
o Scrub forest
o Arboreal
Precipitation
o 20-30 in./year
Temperature
o 80-110 ◦F
Dominant Plantlife
o Shrubs
o Scattered trees
Biodiversity
o Low biodiversity
o Well adapted to dry
conditions
SNOW LEOPARD
Natural Habitat Information
(for use with Natural Habitat
Dichotomous Key III)
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Cat
o Big cat species
• Habitat:
o Mountains; Central Asia
• Adaptations:
o Crepuscular or
nocturnal
o Fur is 1-3 inches thick;
protection from cold
o Tail as long as body;
allows for balance;
wraps around nose
when sleeping in cold to
prevent frostbite
o Large, furry paws act as
snowshoes
• General Information:
o Critically endangered
•
•
•
Climate
o 2 season (winter and
summer)
Geography/Animal Habitat
Characteristics
o Summer: lives in midelevation meadows
and rocky regions
above treeline
o Winters: lives in forest
o Terrestrial
Precipitation
o Meadows: <5 in./year
o Rocky regions: <.03
in./year
o Forest: >15
inches/year
Temperature
o Below 32-65 ◦F
Dominant Plantlife
o Meadow: shrubs,
short grasses,
wildflowers
o Forests: broadleaf and
conifer trees
Biodiversity
o Low biodiversity
o Plants and animals
are adapted to alpine
living
Animal Exhibit SelfCreated Dichotomous
Key Directions
1. Choose 4 of the animals from the
list below and write their names
in the ANIMAL BOX at the top of
the Animal Exhibit SelfCreated Dichotomous Key:
Asian elephant, California
sealion, cinereous vulture, polar
bear, river otter and
Scandinavian reindeer.
2. Organize the 4 selected animals
into a 2-3 tiered self-created
dichotomous key based on
characteristics of their zoo
exhibit. This information can be
obtained by viewing the Zoo
Animal Exhibit PowerPoint or
photocopied pages from the
PowerPoint. Remember to draw
the dichotomous key structure
prior to beginning this activity!
3. Begin by choosing a Property
(ex. Water Source) that will
separate your animals into 2
groups of 2 animals OR 2
groups, one containing 1 animal
and the other containing 3
animals in order to start your
primary sort. Draw Line A and
write the Property in Line A on
the dichotomous key.
4. Draw Line B and Line C above
Box 1 and Box 2. Describe the
property by placing a Descriptor
in Line B (ex. Fountain Present)
and the opposite Descriptor in
Line C using the No/Not Format
(ex. No Fountain Present).
5. Organize the 4 animals from the
ANIMAL BOX into Box 1 and
Box 2 based on whether they
possess the descriptor (write
these animals in Box 1) or
not (write these animals in
Box 2). Remember to ONLY use
the 4 selected animals from the
ANIMAL BOX!
6. Continue your sort using the
animals from Box 1, only if 2-3
animals are in the box. If only 1
animal is present, that animal’s
sort is complete.
7. Draw Line D and choose any
Property (it may OR may not be
the same property as the primary
sort) that will separate your
animals into 2 groups of 1
animal OR 2 groups, one
containing 2 animals and the
other containing 1 animal in
order to start your secondary
sort. Write the Property in Line
D on the dichotomous key.
Remember, the animals are
being separated by the
characteristics of zoo exhibits!
8. Draw Line E and Line F above
Box 3 and Box 4. Describe the
property by placing a Descriptor
in Line E and the opposite
Descriptor in Line F using the
No/Not Format.
9. Organize the 2 OR 3 animals
from Box 1 into Box 3 and Box 4
based on whether they possess
the descriptor (Box 3) or not (Box
4) by writing the animals in the
appropriate box. Remember to
ONLY use the animals listed in
Box 1.
10. Continue your sort using the
animals from Box 2, only if 2-3
animals are in the box. If only 1
animal is present, that animal’s
sort is complete.
being separated by the
characteristics of their zoo
exhibits! Do not forget to
include the Property for the sort.
Also, include the matching
Descriptor using the No/Not
format. Organize the animals
into 2 hand-drawn boxes based
on the Descriptor.
11. Draw Line G and choose any
Property (it may OR may not be
the same property as the primary
sort) that will separate your
animals into 2 groups of 1
animal OR 2 groups, one
containing 2 animals and the
other containing 1 animal in
order to continue your
secondary sort. Write the
Property in Line G on the
dichotomous key. Remember, the
animals are being separated by
the characteristics of their
zoo exhibits!
12. Describe the property by placing
a Descriptor in Line H and the
opposite Descriptor in Line I
using the No/Not Format.
13. Organize the 2 or 3 animals
from Box 2 into Box 5 and Box 6
based on whether they possess
the descriptor (Box 5) or not (Box
6) by writing the animals in the
appropriate box. Remember to
ONLY use the animals listed in
Box 2.
14. If any of boxes 3-6 contain 2
animals, draw a tertiary sort
under the appropriate secondary
sort. Remember, the animals are
VARIA
•
Use the Buffalo Zoo map to
locate the area of the zoo
needed for the the Animal
Exhibit Self-Created
Dichotomous Key activity.
•
The Vocabulary pages can be
used as a companion piece to
the Animal Exhibit SelfCreated Dichotomous Key
activity.
•
If using the Dichotomous
Key Field Guide for this
activity, the boxed
information will aid
students in choosing
Properties and Descriptors
for the Animal Exhibit SelfCreated Dichotomous Key
activity.
•
The Vocabulary sheet and
Field Guide should be used if
the teacher deems them
necessary, based on class
and individual student ability
levels.
Animal Exhibit Self-Created
Dichotomous Key Map- Go to
the circled area on the map to
complete this activity.
Animal Exhibit SelfCreated Dichotomous
Key Vocabulary
•
Agile- ease of movement
•
Animal Housing - indoor
facilities for animal privacy,
training, shelter, etc.
•
Animal Privacy- places where
zoo animals can go to escape the
public eye
•
Arctic Regions- a cold area
between the North Pole and the
timberline (above which trees do
not grow)
•
Arid Regions- dry areas
•
Burrow- a hole or tunnel dug
into the ground
•
Carrion- dead, decaying flesh
•
Cave- a hollow passage into a
mountain, hill, etc.
•
Coastal Waters- water near the
seashore
•
Exhibit- a place to present an
object/organism
•
External Ear Flaps- ear lobes
•
Feathers- the body covering of
birds
•
Fencing- a barrier made of posts
and wire
•
Flippers- a wide, flat limb that is
adapted for swimming
•
Fountain- an artificial stream of
water that moves upward
•
Fur- a body covering for many
mammals; it consists of 2 layers,
the guard hairs (used for
protection and camouflage) and
the undercoat (provides warmth)
•
Gate- the opening of a fence
•
Grasslands- a prairie/meadow
that contains various species of
grasses
•
Guard Hairs- the top layer of fur
in mammals; aids in protection
and camouflage
•
Hoof Rim- outer edge of the hoof
•
Crepuscular- active at dawn and
dusk
•
•
Diurnal- active during the
daytime
Hooves- the keratin sheath
covering the toe of an Ungulate
•
Insulation- stops heat loss
•
Enrichment- objects/zookeeper
alterations to animal exhibits
that are provided to allow the
animals to show naturalistic
behaviors/”exercise” their minds
•
Keeper Door- a closed off
entryway where zookeepers can
enter/exit can exhibit
•
Moat- a deep ditch used for
protection
•
Naturalistic Features- objects
in an exhibit that resemble the
animal’s natural
•
Nocturnal- active at night
•
Pinniped- carnivorous marine
mammals (seals, walruses, sea
lions) that use fins for
locomotion
•
Pool- a small body of still water
•
Positive Relief Walls- walls that
slant in to prevent an animal
from escaping its exhibit; in
nature there is usually negative
relief due to weathering
•
Soar- to glide
•
Snowshoes- a broad surface that
allows one to walk in snow
without with ease
•
Steppes- arid, grass covered
plain
•
Stream- a flow of water in a
channel
•
Traction- adhesion
•
Tree Fencing- protects trees
from animals
•
Trunk- nose and upper lip of an
elephant; can be used to spray
water into their mouths or onto
their bodies
•
Ungulate- hoofed mammal
•
Prey- the hunted
•
Public Safety- methods used to
keep zoo people free from harm
•
Railing- a structure used as a
barrier
•
Waterfall- water descending
from a great height
•
Housing - indoor facilities for
animal privacy, training,
alternate shelter, etc.
•
Water Source- the place where
water comes from
•
Webbed Feet- toes are
connected by a thin fold of skin
to aid in swimming
•
Wingspan- length from wing tip
to wing tip
•
Zookeeper Access- the place
where the zookeeper (worker who
tends to animal needs, provides
training, etc.) enters the exhibit
for cleaning, training,
enrichment placement, etc.
•
•
Raptor- bird of prey; has a sharp
hooked beak for tearing meat
and talons (sharp claws)
Rockwork- fake stone that
resembles actual rocks; usually
made of gunite (sprayed concrete
over steel reinforcement)
•
Salt Water Pools- a small body
of water with dissolved minerals
(salts) in it; resembles ocean
water
•
Sloped Floor- a lower, angled
surface of an area
ASIAN ELEPHANT
Animal Exhibit Information
(for use with Animal Exhibit
Dichotomous Key IV)
•
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Elephant
• Habitat:
o Forests/grasslands of
India, Nepal, Bhutan,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Indonesia,
and Borneo; Asia
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o Ears are smaller than
African elephants
o Trunk is strong enough
to pick up tree trunks,
but is agile enough to
pick up a dime
• General Information:
o Endangered
•
Access to Water
o Fountain
o Pool
Enrichment (varies)
o Ball
o Tire
Public Safety
o Railing
o Sloped floor of exhibit
o Walls
Zookeeper Access
o Keeper door
o Gate
Animal Privacy
o Elephant house
o Tree fencing
Naturalistic Features
o Water
o Plantlife
o Nothing
CALIFORNIA SEA
LION
Animal Exhibit Information
(for use with Animal Exhibit
Dichotomous Key IV)
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Sea lion
o Pinniped
• Habitat:
o Coastal waters of
California; North
America
o May be found along the
coasts from British
Columbia to Mexico
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o Walk on flippers; unlike
seals (flop on stomach)
o Have external ear flaps;
unlike seals (no ear
flaps)
• General Information:
o Not endangered
•
Access to Water
o Swim in salt water
pool
o Get water from food
Public Safety
o Thick glass
o Fencing
o Rockwork walls
Zookeeper Access
o Keeper doors
Animal Privacy
o Sea lion house
o Various pool paths
o Under bridges
Naturalistic Features
o Rockwork
o Plantlife
o Salt water pool
CINEREOUS
VULTURE
Animal Exhibit Information
(for use with Animal Exhibit
Dichotomous Key IV)
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Bird
o Raptor
• Habitat:
o Open, arid regions and
steppes; Europe, Asia,
north Africa
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o 8-9 ½ ft. wingspan,
soars to find carrion
o Few feathers on head;
rotten flesh won’t stick
• General Information:
o Threatened
Public Safety
o Fencing
Zookeeper Access
o Keeper door
Animal Privacy
o Wooden shelter
o Plant-life
Naturalistic Features
o Plants
o Nothing
POLAR BEAR
Animal Exhibit Information
(for use with Animal Exhibit
Dichotomous Key IV)
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
•
o Bear
• Habitat:
o Arctic regions; North
America, Europe, Asia
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal
o Small ears; reduces
heat loss
o Black skin absorbs heat
o Very furry paws act as
insulation and
snowshoes
o Can swim up to 60
miles to locate prey
• General Information:
o Threatened
•
•
Access to Water
o Waterfall
o Stream
o Pond
Enrichment (varies)
o Plastic tub
o Tree branches
Public Safety
o Moat
o Railing
o Rockwork
Zookeeper Access
o “Stairway” on sides of
exhibit
Animal Privacy
o Cave
o Behind rockwork
Naturalistic Features
o Tree branches
o Water
o Ice (during winter)
o Nothing
RIVER OTTER
Animal Exhibit Information
(for use with Animal Exhibit
Dichotomous Key IV)
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Otter
• Habitat:
o Freshwater shoreline;
North America
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal, crepuscular
and nocturnal
o Completely webbed feet
aid in swimming
o Long guard hairs of fur
aid in insulation
o Establishes burrows
with multiple openings;
at least 1 faces the
water
• General Information:
o Threatened
•
Access to Water
o Waterfall
o Stream
o Pond
Public Safety
o Positive relief walls
o Thick glass windows
Zookeeper Access
o Keeper door
Animal Privacy
o Plant-life
o Hollowed “logs”
o Otter house
Naturalistic Features
o Native NYS plants
o Waterfall, stream,
pond
o Rockwork
o Fallen logs
SCANDINAVIAN
REINDEER
Animal Exhibit Information
(for use with Animal Exhibit
Dichotomous Key IV)
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Animal Classification:
o Reindeer
o Ungulate
• Habitat:
o Arctic regions; Europe
and Asia
• Adaptations:
o Diurnal & crepuscular
o Hooves are flexible in
spring/summer to
provide traction on wet
ground, and hard in
winter to expose the
hoof rim to avoid
slipping
• General Information:
o Not endangered
Access to Water
o Pond
Enrichment (varies)
o Large, plastic spool
Public Safety
o Railing
o Moat
Zookeeper Access
o Keeper door
Animal Privacy
o Reindeer house
o Moat
Naturalistic Features
o Water
o Plantlife
o Nothing