Dichotomous Keying
The identification of biological organisms can be greatly simplified using tools such as dichotomous keys. A dichotomous key is an organized set of couplets of mutually exclusive characteristics of biological organisms. You simply compare the characteristics of an unknown organism against an appropriate dichotomous key. These keys will begin with general characteristics and lead to couplets indicating progressively specific characteristics.
Two sample dichotomous keys are given: common beans and conifer trees. Pictures and answer key are included. Teachers please note there are four out of the sixteen pictures suing conifer tress that did not load, however, the key using different beans is still useful.
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