Creating and Using Keys

  • Create and use a key.
  • Use
    • a written key
      Some keys are drawn as flow charts, like the one in Section 8.2 of your text book that deals with food.
      Others are written as short sentences like the dinosaur one.
      If you are asked to classify a group of organisms using either sort of key, you must go back to the beginning of the key for each organism.
      We have made an on-line activity for you to help you use a written key.
      Try classifying the organisms.


    • a linear or flowchart type key.
      There is an excellent on-line activity using a branching flow chart type keys here at the Bridging the Watershed web site. Try either the Plant ID Decision Tree Activity or the Macroinvertebrate ID Activity or both. Go!