DENDROLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Most such keys are created in a dichotomous format. 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-2: -Dichotomous keys are very useful because they allow non-expert users to identify organisms by directing them to look at the known, important organisms.

Detailed explanation-3: -Dichotomous is a word that means “two parts” (remember that the prefix di-means “two”). A dichotomous key uses a series of statements, descriptions, or yes or no questions grouped into pairs, which eventually lead to the correct identity of a specimen or organism.

Detailed explanation-4: -The limitations of a dichotomous key are that it can only be used to identify organisms that are part of the key and that it is complicated which may lead to incorrect interpretations. Dichotomous keys are diagrams that use the presence or absence of a series of traits to help identify living organisms.