Unit 13: DICHOTOMOUS KEY

Biology for Grade 7th | By Steviana Amalia Ratih, S.Pd.

 Learning Objectives

After doing the learning session:

• I can use dichotomous keys to classify species and groups of related

organisms.
• I can sort, group and classify phenomena, objects, materials and
organisms through testing, observation, using secondary information,
and using keys.
 Introduction
Dichotomous means ‘branching into two’.
Dichotomous keys are a way of identifying organisms through a series
of paired choices or descriptions. For example:
Does it have wings?

Does it have more than four legs?

Does it live on land?

 How to use dichotomous key
1. Choose one organism you want to identify.
2. Starting at the top of the key, answer the first question – yes or no?
3. Follow the line to the next question. Keep going until you arrive at the
name of the organism.
 How to use dichotomous key
• Here is the same key set out in a different way.
• The key starts with a pair of statements to choose from.
• The arrows pointing to where you go next, there is a number telling
you which pair of statements to go to next.
 How to use dichotomous key
The first question is always quite general because it needs to help sort the
living things you are classifying.

Does it have wings?

yes no

Does it live under

water?

Owl
 How to use dichotomous key
The questions will gradually get more specific as they separate living
things that are more similar.
 Open the Cambridge
Science Learner’s Book 7
on page 141-142.
Write the answers to
numbers 1 and 2 directly
there or in your notebook

Do this during the Independent

Study (Belajar Mandiri) session
in the evening.
Due at the biology meeting next
week.