Dichotomous Key Project

Make a dichotomous key using the “Field Guide”

Must pick 5 species from same Order or Family

List all observable and measurable characteristics of each species (at least 5)

Then, make a dichotomous key using “If/Then” Format

Step 1. Picking your species1. Get a book from front. You will

most likely have to share with a partner.

2. Pick your species (you and your partner may ONLY have 3 out of 5 species the same)

3. Select your species from same order or family (this means it will come from the same book, around same section. See next slide for more info)

Order & Family Domain [Archaea, bacteria, eukarya] Kingdom [archaebacteria, eubacteria, protista, plantae,

fungi, animalia] Phlyum [there are 20 for animals and 10 for plants. Tells

you the body type/build] Class [mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects] Order[more specific characteristics; animals that eat

meat are in the order Carnivora and animals that eat insects are in the order Insectivora.]

Family [tells you what group the organism belongs to-contains such families as Felidae for cats and Sciuridae for squirrels. Familiy names always end in "idea]

Genus [Groups of species that may “look” like they are the same family—You may have a red fox, white fox. They are both foxes (same genus) but different species: For example, Vulpes (foxes) is a genus of the dog family (Canidae)

Species [similar physical characteristics that can and do interbreed and share the same gene pool; it is specific]

Example

Step 2: Find it’s scientific and common names

Write down the names of the Remember scientific names are binomial (two names: genus + species)

Common names are what we would call them (ex: red fox, white clover, etc.)

Your field guide book should tell you both of those names.

Step 3: List characteristics*If you have already written down the names of your organisms, you can do this part at home by looking up each organism’s picture & characteristics

You must make a list of all observable and measurable characteristics (at least 5+). Be sure to write it for all 5 of your species. ◦ For example, if you wrote wing-tip color for one

bird, you must write it for all birds, etc.◦ So pick: eye color, wing span, beak size, beak

shape, feather color…etc and list for all. At least one species must have a different characteristic than the rest.

Step 4. Make a dichotomous keyMust use “If…then” form. Must be couplets that compare the same characteristics (using (1a & 1b); using has/does not have format). Use scientific name for identification. For example:If Then

1a. The plant bears flowers Go to step 2

1b. The plant does not bear flowers

Go to step 3

2a. The plant bears white flowers

…

2b…. …

Step 5. Pick one organism & researchUsing a computer (at home or in

class), research one organism and get its full taxonomy (DKPCOFGS). Include a picture of the organism as well.

*Please remember that your project must be typed.

Your final product must include:List of scientific and common names for

each species you have pickedA list of characteristics to go along with

the species’ namesA dichotomous key according to

instruction sheetThe full taxonomy from your research of

one organism with picture

*THE FINAL PRODUCT MUST BE TYPED.