EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -A dichotomous key is an important scientific tool, used to identify different organisms, based the organism’s observable traits. Dichotomous keys consist of a series of statements with two choices in each step that will lead users to the correct identification.

Detailed explanation-2: -“Dichotomous” means, “divided into two parts.” A dichotomous key always gives two choices in each step. In each step, you must make a decision based on characteristics of the item. If you decide correctly every time, the name of the item will be revealed at the end.

Detailed explanation-3: -Keys consist of a series of choices that lead the user to the correct name of a given item. “Dichotomous” means “divided into two parts.” That is why dichotomous keys always give two choices in each step. In each step, the user is presented with two statements based on characteristics of the organism.

Detailed explanation-4: -“Dichotomous” means divided into two parts, hence the dichotomous keys always present two choices based on the key characteristics of the organism in each step. By correctly selecting the right choice at each stage, the user will be able to identify the name of the organism at the end.

Detailed explanation-5: -The three common types of dichotomous keys are the nested, linked, and branched dichotomous keys.