Dichotomous Key Practice Name:

Period:
Date:

A B C D E
Use the dichotomous key to identify the 5 leaves pictured.

A)
B)
C)
D)
E)

STEP 1 1A: Leaf is oval shaped Go to step 2

1B: Leaf is star shaped Go to step 3

STEP 2 2A: Leaf is shorter wide Go to step 4

2B: Leaf is longer and narrow Hickory

STEP 3 3A: Leaf has smooth edges Sweetgum

3B: Leaf has jagged edges Sugar Maple

STEP 4 4A: Leaf has 4 veins on each side Birch

4B: Leaf has 5 veins on each side Beech

Make Your Own Dichotomous Key Name:
Period:
Date:
Directions: With a partner, create a dichotomous key for the 6 ocean organisms shown below. Begin by
creating a concept map. Lay out the cards by dividing them into 2 categories at a time based on physical
similarities and differences. Once completed transfer the information to the chart below.

Sea Urchin Scallop Sand

Dollar Brittle Star Starfish Conch

1A:
Step 1
1B:

2A:
Step 2
2B:

3A:
Step 3
3B:

4A:
Step 4
4B:

5A:
Step 5
5B:

When you are finished making your key, change papers with a neighboring group and check their
answers.

1. Is it possible to have a different key for the same 6 organisms? Explain why or why not.

2. What is the purpose of a dichotomous key?

 Make your own Dichotomous Key Teacher
Directions
Directions:
1. Make enough copies of the 6 organism cards on the following page for the
students to work in groups (I have students complete this in pairs).
2. Have students lay them out on their desk in the form of a concept
map as shown in the PowerPoint notes. If you have mini whiteboards it is helpful
for them to lay out the cards and write out the statements as they go or you can use
chalk markers and have students write directly on the lab tables.
3. Once they have completed their concept map they will transfer the
information onto the blank chart.
4. A sample key is shown below but there are multiple correct answers.
5. Once students are finished have them swap keys with a neighboring group to
check their answers.

1A: Contains a star shape Go to step 2

Step 1
1B: Not star shaped Go to step 3

2A: Star is in the middle of a circular body Sand dollar

Step 2
2B: Entire organism is star shaped Go to step 5

3A: Covered in spines Sea urchin

Step 3
3B: Does not have spines Go to step 4

4A: Seashell is relatively flat Scallop

Step 4
4B: Seashell is twisted in shape Conch

5A: Star is covered in bristles Brittle star

Step 5
5B: Star has smooth edges Starfish

When you are finished making your key, change papers with a neighboring group and check their
answers.

1. Is it possible to have a different key for the same 6 organisms? Explain why or why not. Yes, it is
possible. Other groups could have chosen different physical characteristics but still arrived at the same
final answers.

2. What is the purpose of a dichotomous key?

Dichotomous keys are used to classify and identify species easily.
Sea Urchin Scallop Sand Dollar

Brittle Star Starfish Conch

Sea Urchin Scallop Sand Dollar

Brittle Star Starfish Conch