CHILD DEVELOPMENT PEDAGOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -When creating your dichotomous key, you need to start with the most general characteristics first, before moving to the more specific ones. So it helps to have identified the more obvious and less obvious contrasting characteristics among the specimen before creating your dichotomous key.

Detailed explanation-2: -A dichotomous key breaks down identification into two mutually exclusive options at each step. To use the key, the scientist starts at the top, or beginning, and sees which of the two options apply to their organism. Based on their answer, the key directs them to a new question.

Detailed explanation-3: -The first step in the identification of an unknown bacterium is often to determine its morphology and Gram stain reaction.

Detailed explanation-4: -Dichotomous literally means dividing into two parts (Merriam-Webster, 2014). A dichotomous key provides users with a series of statements with two choices that will eventually lead to the correct identification of the organism.

Detailed explanation-5: -All parts of the key should be dichotomous. Never use trichotomies. Always give contrasting, alternative characteristics in each couplet. Use clear-cut opposites.