Scribd
Upload
1K views5 pages

Dichotomous Key Activity General

This document provides instructions for a dichotomous key lab activity. Students are asked to name 10 creatures depicted in a diagram. The introduction explains that a dichotomous key uses a series of yes or no questions to identify a specimen. As an example, the teacher will ask the student questions about one of the creatures they named to walk through how a dichotomous key works. Pictures will then be associated with the correct paths through the key. The student is then asked to complete missing information in sample dichotomous keys and use keys to identify drawings of different species.

Uploaded by

27zjjfb68f
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1K views5 pages

Dichotomous Key Activity General

This document provides instructions for a dichotomous key lab activity. Students are asked to name 10 creatures depicted in a diagram. The introduction explains that a dichotomous key uses a series of yes or no questions to identify a specimen. As an example, the teacher will ask the student questions about one of the creatures they named to walk through how a dichotomous key works. Pictures will then be associated with the correct paths through the key. The student is then asked to complete missing information in sample dichotomous keys and use keys to identify drawings of different species.

Uploaded by

27zjjfb68f
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Dichotomous Key Lab Activity: Introduces a lab activity where students name and analyze cartoon creatures as an exercise for understanding dichotomous keys.
  • Introduction: Explains the importance of dichotomous keys in organizing and retrieving information, and sets the context for the following exercises.
  • Creature Identification Pictures: Provides a table with creatures to be identified using notes on observed characteristics.
  • Recent Questions: Presents questions related to insect species identification using a dichotomous key with diagram references.
  • Detailed Dichotomous Key: Contains a detailed dichotomous key for identifying animal species with charts and diagrams illustrating key features.

Name_____________________ Date________________

Mrs. Konstantinova
Living Environment Section_______

Dichotomous Key LAB Activity


Directions: Give each of the following creatures a name (be creative). Then read the introduction
below

2. ________________
1. ________________

3. __________________

4. __________________

7. _________________
5. _________________

6. __________________

8. ___________________
10. __________________

9. ___________________
Dichotomous Key Activity

Introduction

In science we use many helping aids to organize and easily retrieve information. This particular
activity is a dichotomous key activity. A dichotomous key is a tool that scientists can use to help
identify a particular specimen. The specimen could be a chemical that is identified by its physical
properties, an insect identified by its markings and traits, or even a rock sample based on its
different properties. The term dichotomous begins with the prefix of "di" which means two. The
dichotomous key allows for the scientist to ask a series of questions with yes or no answers. Each
question should be phrased so that the answer will either be yes or no. Below there are questions
that will show you an example of how to make a dichotomous key for the creatures, which you
have just named, on the previous page.

Before you proceed, you need to choose one of the creatures on the previous page. Below I will ask
you a yes or no question about your creature. I have set this key up as an example. After this
activity you will practice with dichotomous key regent questions. This will count as a lab; I will
collect this next lab day.

1. Does your creature have feet? _______ (if yes, go to Question #2) (if NO, go to question #4)

2. Does your creature have two eyes?_______ (if yes, go to Question #3) (if NO, go to question # 7)

3. Does your creature have two feet?_______ (if yes, go to Picture #1 on the next page) (if no, go to
picture#3)

4. Does your creature have wheels?________ (if yes, go to Question #5) (if NO, go to question #8 )

5. Does your creature have one wheel?______ (if yes, go to Question #6) (if NO, go to picture7 )

6. Does your creature have one eye?_________(if yes go to picture #2) (if No, go to picture 8)

7. Does your creature have two arms?________ (if yes, go to picture 10) (if NO, go to picture 9 )

8. Does your creature have teeth?________ (if yes, go to picture 4 ) (if NO, go to question # 9 )

9. Does your creature have wings?________ (if yes, go to picture 5 ) (if NO, go to picture 6 )
Picture 1 This must be the creature you chose.

You have determined that your organism has feet,


has two eyes and has two feet

Picture 2

You have determined that your organism does not


have feet but has wheels, only has one wheel, and
one eye.
Picture 3

Picture 4

Picture 5

Picture 6

Picture 7

Picture 8

Picture 9

Picture 10
Regent Questions:
1. Base your answer on the accompanying diagram and on your knowledge of
biology. The diagram represents six insect species.

A dichotomous key to these six species is shown in the accompanying diagram.

a Complete the missing information for sections 5.a. and 5.b. so that the key is
complete for all six species. [1]

b Use the key to identify the drawings of species A, B, C, and D. Place the letter
of each species on the line located below the drawing of the species or on a
separate piece of paper. [1]
2. Fill in all of the blanks in parts 2 and 3 of the dichotomous key shown in the
accompanying diagram and chart, so that it contains information that could be
used to identify the four animals shown. [2]

You might also like