A bird-watcher sees a small yellow bird in a tree. Explain to the bird-watcher how he can use a dichotomous key to identify the bird. Assume he does not know anything about dichotomous keys. Then, write two steps of a dichotomous key that would be helpful for the bird-watcher

Answer 1

A dichotomous key is a tool used to identify organisms based on their characteristics. The bird-watcher can use a dichotomous key by observing the physical features of the bird and comparing them to the descriptions in the key.

Two steps of a dichotomous key that could help the bird-watcher identify the small yellow bird are:

1. Step 1: Does the bird have a black stripe running through its eye?
- If yes, go to step 2
- If no, the bird is not a common yellowthroat

2. Step 2: Does the bird have a dark spot on its chest?
- If yes, the bird is likely a yellow warbler
- If no, the bird is likely a yellow-rumped warbler