- Start with the first step in the key
- Choose the characteristic that best matches the organism
- Follow the key to the next step based on the choice made
- Repeat this process until the organism is identified with its scientific name
- The scientific name will consist of two words, the genus name followed by the species name
● Classifying organisms (taxonomy) is categorizing them based on shared characteristics.
○ 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 2 choices of specific traits
■ Go to steps as directed
■ Each leaf will be identified eventually with its scientific name (binomial nomenclature)
■ Identify each organism:
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