So we all were hoping for a day off today but alas it didnt materialize. So today we finished up the dichotomous key lab and hopefully everyone answered the questions at the end of the lab as well.
Dichotomous Key Lab
Rules:
1- Each step in the key has a part A and a part B.
2- Part B is a not statement of Part A.
Materials
Paper
Pencil
Specimens
Procedure:
1- Observe the specimens supplied, and record all observations such as
color, texture, size, and shape.
2- Using your recorded observations divide the specimens into two large
groups.
3- Divide the two large groups into two smaller groups.
4- Keep dividing until all specimens have been separated.
5- Using the rules of creating a Dichotomous Key organize your data into
a key.
6- Exchange your key with another person and try to identify each
organism using the other person's key.
Questions:
1- Was your key exactly the same as the key created by your classmate?
2- List the characteristics that you used to identity the specimens.
3- Why are Dichotomous Keys important to scientists?
4- Would it be difficult to add additional specimens to your key? Is this a
problem that scientists face everyday?
Name
Process Skills Worksheet 16- 1
Classifying Based on Observations
At one time, most organisms were classified based on their physical appearance. Today, scientists use
other information to classify organisms. For example, scientists study the embryonic development of
animals and chemical analyze their DNA and proteins. Such evidence has led to the reclassification of
many organisms.
Here is your set of organisms!
Bull, Panda, Kiwi, Sea star, House Cat, Bison, Sea Turtle, Moth, Cocker Spaniel, Lion, Frog, Spider, Duck Billed Platypus, Large Mouth Bass, Cora Snake, Coackroach, Koala Bear, Hermit Crab, Shrimp, Jellyfish, Zebra, Penguin, Walrus, Octopus.
