Dichotomous Keys

Biology 11Ms. Lowrie

Dichotomous Keys Tool used to name or identify

unknown organisms “di” – two options

How to Use One

1. Read both statements2. Select either (a) or (b)

Which describes the organism?3. Follow directions

Do you know your plants?

Norn Classification

Belong to genus Norno

Divided into eight species Located in specific regions

Task: Use dichotomous key to identify

Write their scientific name (genus + species) on the blank

How’d you do?

A. Norno BeverlusB. Norno DallusC. Norno RajusD. Norno KentuckyusE. Norno CaliforniusF. Norno Wala WalaG. Norno DakotusH. Norno Yorkio

Whale Key (pg 332)

Identify each whale

Answers

7) killer whale - Orcinus orca8) humpback whale - Megaptera

novaeangliae9) Beluga - Delphinapterus leucas10) narwhal - Mmnodon monoceros11) sperm whale- Physeter macrocephalus12) blue whale - Balaenoptera musculus13) bowhead whale - Balaena mysticetus

Analysis Questions

a) What are four characteristics used to classify whales?

b) Why might biologist use a key? (in general)

c) Provide an example of when a biologist might use a key to classify a whale?

d) Make a list of other characteristics that could be used to classify whales.

Difficult with Odd Numbers

Immediately pick something out that’s different

Let’s make one together! 3 hand sanitizers

Questions???