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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of a taxonomic key?
What is the primary purpose of a taxonomic key?
In a taxonomic key, what is a 'couplet'?
In a taxonomic key, what is a 'couplet'?
What differentiates a dichotomous key from a polytomous key?
What differentiates a dichotomous key from a polytomous key?
Which of the following is a constructive feature of taxonomic keys?
Which of the following is a constructive feature of taxonomic keys?
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Why should proper measurements be used in taxonomic keys instead of terms like 'large' and 'small'?
Why should proper measurements be used in taxonomic keys instead of terms like 'large' and 'small'?
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What are the two types of taxonomic keys mentioned in the text?
What are the two types of taxonomic keys mentioned in the text?
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Who is credited with probably first publishing dichotomous keys in 1778?
Who is credited with probably first publishing dichotomous keys in 1778?
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In dichotomous keys, contrasting characters are chosen to do what with the full set of possible species?
In dichotomous keys, contrasting characters are chosen to do what with the full set of possible species?
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What is the purpose of providing both choices side-by-side in bracketed keys?
What is the purpose of providing both choices side-by-side in bracketed keys?
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What is one of the advantages mentioned for using dichotomous keys?
What is one of the advantages mentioned for using dichotomous keys?
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Study Notes
Taxonomic Keys
- A taxonomic key is a device used for identifying unknown species, consisting of a series of contrasting statements to make comparisons and identifications.
Constructive Features of Taxonomic Keys
- Constant characteristics should be used instead of variable ones.
- Proper measurements should be used instead of relative terms like "large" and "small".
- Characteristics available to the user should be prioritized over seasonal or field-specific characteristics.
- Positive choices should be made, using "is" instead of "is not".
- Choices should start with the same word, and different pairs should start with different words.
- Descriptive terms should be preceded by the name of the part to which they apply.
Types of Taxonomic Keys
- There are two main types of taxonomic keys: dichotomous and polyclave (multiple access or synoptic).
Dichotomous Keys
- Dichotomous keys offer two alternative choices at each branching point.
- Jean Baptiste-Lamarck first published a dichotomous key in 1778.
- Contrasting characters are chosen to divide the full set of possible species into smaller groups.
- Each choice eliminates a number of species, narrowing the range of possible species until a single species is identified.
Organization of Dichotomous Keys
- Couplets can be organized numerically or alphabetically, and can be presented together or grouped by relationships.
Types of Dichotomous Keys
- There are two types of dichotomous keys: indented keys (or yoked keys) and bracketed keys.
- Indented keys have equal distances from the left margin, with labelled choices (e.g., 1 and 1' or la and lb).
- Bracketed keys present both choices side-by-side, with numbered (or lettered) choices and previous couplets for reference.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dichotomous Keys
- Advantages include: similar specimens are grouped together, it's harder to get lost, they are faster to use, and it's easier to retrace steps.
- Disadvantages include: the key may not include all potential variations in the species, it may rely on features not present in that season, and it may be difficult to use at times.
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Description
Explore the different types of taxonomic keys, including their advantages and disadvantages. Understand how keys are constructed and used for identifying unknown species through a series of contrasting statements. Learn about the decision-making process involved in the identification of specimens.
