Dichotomous Key Challenge

Dichotomous Key Challenge

Read each question carefully and follow the instructions. A dichotomous key helps us identify different organisms by asking a series of questions with two choices.

1. A dichotomous key is a tool used to   organisms.

2. The word "dichotomous" means splitting into   parts.

3. Each step in a dichotomous key gives you   choices.

4. Which of these is a good first question for a dichotomous key?

Use the dichotomous key below to identify the animal:

1a. Has fur .......................................................................... Go to 2

1b. Has feathers ................................................................. Go to 3

2a. Has stripes ................................................................... Tiger

2b. Does not have stripes .................................................... Bear

3a. Can fly ........................................................................ Eagle

3b. Cannot fly ..................................................................... Penguin

5. An animal has fur and stripes. What is it?

6. An animal has feathers and cannot fly. What is it?

7. Every step in a dichotomous key must have only two choices.

8. A dichotomous key always tells you the exact color of an animal.

9. Imagine you have two different types of leaves. Write one dichotomous key choice that could separate them.