● Classifying organisms (taxonomy) is categorizing them based on shared characteristics.

Question

○ With dichotomous key, each characteristics is given a 2-word name, such as Erinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog) or Felis catus (house ____). These are also called scientific names.
○ To binomial nomenclature organisms, people can use a dichotomous key.
■ Based on shared characteristics
■ Several steps, each with ___ choices of specific traits
■ Go to steps as directed
■ Each leaf will be identified eventually with its scientific name (binomial nomenclature)
■ Identify each organism:

Answer 1

1. Look at the organism and start at the first step of the dichotomous key.
2. Determine which of the two choices in that step applies to the organism.
3. Follow the directions to proceed to the next step based on your choice.
4. Repeat this process for each subsequent step until you arrive at the scientific name of the organism.
5. The scientific name will consist of two words, the genus (first word) and the species (second word) names.