DICHOTOMOUS KEYS

Dichotomous keys can be used to identify organisms; they ask a series of simple
questions, all with two choices. The questions become more specific as other
organisms are ruled-out.

Lay eggs
Lays eggs on land
Vertebrate Does it lay eggs
Dichotomous keys Swan
Does it lay eggs, on land or in water?
ask questions to
yes or no? Does not lay eggs Lays eggs in water
identify organisms.
Dolphin Newt
E.g: Does the
Arthropod
organism have a Compound eyes
Compound or
backbone, yes or Invertebrate Shrimp
simple eyes?
no? Arthropod or not?
Not arthropod Simple eyes
Jelly fish Centipede

EXAM QUESTION?
What term is used to describe animals that have a backbone?