Tutorial

=Tutorial=

Parts of a dichotomous key:
A dichotomous key is a series of statements that are designed the help the user figure out the name of an object. These statements are based on the physical characteristics of the objects. The goal is to be able to look at an object, a tree or a bird for example, and use the key to figure out what kind of tree or type of bird you are looking at. This means that keys tend to be specific; they are only about trees, or birds, or lizards, or whatever type of thing the author chose to focus on. While most keys focus on living things, you can create a dichotomous key that classifies any group of things. A dichotomous key may also include pictures to help users understand what some of the descriptions mean.

You always start at step one of a dichotomous key. The first set of statements divides up the objects into general groups based on their characteristics; depending on your answer to the first pair of statements, you move on to another set of statements (each statement will tell you where to go next). As you move through the various statements, the statements will become more specific and lead you to specific names of the objects. I've included some definitions below.

Vocabulary:
Here are some of the key terms that helpful to know. If you would like additional terms defines, click on the discussion tab above and write me a note.


 * classify** - to arrange or order things; music is a good example of this as many musicians are **//classified//** by the type of music they make


 * dichotomous** - divided into two parts; from di- (which means two) and -tomy (which means cut, split, or divide); many people feel there is a **//dichotomy//** between the rich and the poor


 * physical characteristic** - a specific quality or feature that can be identified by one of the 5 senses; a **//physical characteristic//** of plants is that they are (usually) green


 * statement** - a single, clear sentence or declaration; "Cookies are yummy" is a //**statement**// a friend of mine likes to make

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media type="custom" key="5757823" click here to see the answers

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