Practice Using Dichotomous Keys

How could you find out the name of a desert animal or plant you see while on a trip to west Texas? You might consult a local expert or a field guide that contains descriptive information and dichotomous keys to help identify the animal. A dichotomous key is a set of paired statements that can be used to identify an organism. The statements are followed in steps until the key leads to the name of the animal or plant.

When you use a dichotomous key, choose one statement from each pair that best fits the organism. After each choice, you are directed to the next set of statements that you should use. When you have made all your possible choices, you will arrive at the name of the organism.

Practice Key #1

Practice Key #2

Practice Key #3

Practice Key #4