Vocabulary:
Classification- the process of putting things into groups
Dichotomous key- A key with two choices at each stage
Pest Species- An animal species that causes problems and is not wanted in an area
Taxonomist- A scientist who specialists in grouping and naming things
Taxonomy- The science of grouping and naming things
Weed- A group name for any plant growing where it is not wanted
Quantitative- Relating to measuring, or measured by the quantity of something.
Qualitative- Relating to measuring, or measured by the quality of something.
Dichotomous key- A key with two choices at each stage
Pest Species- An animal species that causes problems and is not wanted in an area
Taxonomist- A scientist who specialists in grouping and naming things
Taxonomy- The science of grouping and naming things
Weed- A group name for any plant growing where it is not wanted
Quantitative- Relating to measuring, or measured by the quantity of something.
Qualitative- Relating to measuring, or measured by the quality of something.
Classification keys
Scientists follow a process to try and identify and classify newly discovered organisms. They often use keys such as the dichotomous key, the tabular key and the circular key to help them achieve their goal. Keys provide a simple way to classify organisms or technically everything. To classify an object, you need to observe the characteristics and features of this organism. (Try not to use colour and size because they may change over time).
The Dichotomous Key
The word 'dichotomous' means 'split into two parts'. This means that in a dichotomous key, you always select form two choices. In this key, you decide whether this organism has a particular feature and characteristics.
The Tabular Key
In a tabular key, you read through the numbered items in order. Each item presents 2 options. As you proceed, more and more information will be revealed until one of the animals shown can be identified. When this happens, the animals name is stated. Now, if there isn't enough information to identify the animal, you will then be told to go to another numbered item and make another choice.
The Circular Key
Circular keys, are from what I know, the last type of key that scientists use to identify their chosen organism. To read a circular key, you first start in the middle of the circle and work your way outwards. As you go, you will choose one of the given options at each layer. When you get to the outer layer of the circle, you will have identified the organism.