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Y7 4.4 Using keys

The document outlines the use of keys, specifically dichotomous keys, to identify and classify organisms. It explains how to navigate through a series of questions to arrive at the name of an organism and discusses different arrangements of keys. Additionally, it provides examples of classifying organisms like penguins, bats, and whales using a classification key.

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0 views

Y7 4.4 Using keys

The document outlines the use of keys, specifically dichotomous keys, to identify and classify organisms. It explains how to navigate through a series of questions to arrive at the name of an organism and discusses different arrangements of keys. Additionally, it provides examples of classifying organisms like penguins, bats, and whales using a classification key.

Uploaded by

millimehali
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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11 December 2024 Unit 4 Grouping and identifying organisms

4.4 Using keys


Learning outcomes:
1. Use a key to identify an organism or to classify it into a
group.
2. Change a key from one style to a different style.

Key Word: DO NOW:


• Dichotomous key 1. Write the heading and the
date.
2. Write the learning outcomes
and key words.
Identifying organisms

• Biologists use keys to help them to identify


organisms.
• A key is a set of questions about the organism you
want to identify.
• The answer to each question takes you to another
question.
• You work through all of the questions until you
arrive at the name of the organism.
• They can use a dichotomous key.
• Dichotomous means branching into two.
To use the key:
• Choose one organism you want to identify.
• Starting at the top of the key, answer the first question – yes or no?
• Follow the line to the next question.
• Keep going until you arrive at the name of the organism.
To use the key:
• Keys are sometimes arranged differently. Here is the same key set out in a
different way.
• Instead of a question, the key starts with a pair of statements to choose from.
• Instead of arrows pointing to where you go next, there is a number telling you
which pair of statements to go to next.
Using a key to classify organisms
Explanation

Some organisms look like they may belong to several groups.


Consider a penguin.
Andeep
It’s definitely a Izzy
bird. It has It has wings but
feathers! can’t fly. I think it’s
a mammal.

But it can’t fly, so It lives on land and in


it can’t be a bird. the water, so it’s an
Laura amphibian.
Jun
Using a key to classify organisms
Explanation

We can use a classification key to help us classify a penguin.

Does it have wings?

Yes No

Does it have gills and


Does it have feathers?
scales on its skin?

Yes No Yes No

It’s a It’s a
It’s a bird. It’s a fish.
mammal. mammal.
Using a key to classify organisms
Explanation Check

Use the same classification key to Use the same classification key to
group a bat. group a whale.

Does it have Does it have


wings? wings?
Yes No Yes No
Does it have gills Does it have gills
Does it have Does it have
and scales on its and scales on its
feathers? feathers?
skin? skin?

Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No

It’s a It’s a It’s a It’s a It’s a It’s a It’s a It’s a


bird. mammal. fish. mammal. bird. mammal. fish. mammal.

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