1. Notes Science Classification Keys Tennessee SPI Objective:
Use a simple classification key to identify an unknown organism.
Essential Question
How do I interpret and use the information in a
classification key to identify an unknown organism?
Check for Understanding:
Identify characteristics of an individual plant and animal that serve as the basis for developing a classification key.
Example: Does it have wings, legs, horns, hooves, paws, etc.?
Discussion: Think of three organisms, and identify specific traits of each one that could be used on a classification key.

2. Classification System
Developed by Carolus Linneaus
Has changed as we’ve gathered more data on organisms
Classifies organisms based on similar structures but also DNA analysis
Domain, Kingdom, Phyla, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Specific epithet
Species name is made of genus and sp. Epithet
Underline or italicize the names
Example: The Polar Bear: Domain Eukaryotes, Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Ursidae, Genus Ursus, specific epithet maritimus; species name Ursus maritimus
The names tell you information about the organism. For example, the polar bear is a vertebrate (Chordates), it makes milk for it’s young (mammals), it eats meat (carnivore), it is related to other bears (Ursa means bear) and it lives by the sea (maritimus)

3. Classification Tables
Four Types of Classification Keys
scientists use these keys to help them identify organisms
Dichototmous Keys -paired statements to identify organisms
Classification Tables: -has columns and rows with information
Flow Charts: -lines branch off from given traits
Branch Diagram: -traits apply to all organisms that comes after
Classification Tables
Branch Diagram
Dichotomous Key
Flow Chart

4. Dichotomous Key Example: (for identifying species of bears)
Dichotomous Key Practice A) B)
Starting at the top (1a and 1b) read the paired statements.
On the right, select the choice that best fits.
Dichotomous Key Example:
(for identifying species of bears)
Common Name
Black Bear
Ursus americanus
1a. It has white fur species: Ursus maritimus
1b. It does not have white fur-----Go to step two
2a. It has brown fur species: Ursus arctos
2b. It doe not have brown fur-----Go to step three
3a. It has black fur species: Ursus americanus
3b. It doe not have black fur Go to step four
Video Link: Dichotomous Key Tutorial

5. Dinosaur Dichotomous Key Dichotomous Key Activity
Apatosaurus
Stegosaurus
Pterodactyl
T.Rex 2
A. It walks on two legs
B. It does not walk on 2 legs
It is a T.Rex
Go to step 3
A. It has wings
B. It does not have wings
Dinosaur Dichotomous Key 1
Steps
It is a Pterodactyl
Go to step 2 3
A. It has a long neck
B. Does not have a long neck
It is an Apatosaurus
Go to step 4 4
A. It has spikes on its back
B. Does not have spikes
It is a Stegosaurus
Done
Dichotomous Key Activity
Identify this species of dinosaur
Dino 3
Dino 4
Dino 1
Dino 2

6. Classification Key Activity
Make a dichotomous key about these 4 organisms
Spinosaurus
Triceratops
Velociraptor
Ankylosaurus

7. Review Science Classification Keys
SPI
Classification Keys
Review
Science
Here is a question you might see on a quiz or test.

8. Review Science Classification Keys
SPI
Classification Keys
Review
Science
Here is a question you might see on a quiz or test.

9. Review Science Classification Keys
SPI
Classification Keys
Review
Science
Here is a question you might see on a quiz or test.

10. Review Science Classification Keys
SPI
Classification Keys
Review
Science
Here is a question you might see on a quiz or test.

11. Review Science Classification Keys
SPI
Classification Keys
Review
Science
Here is a question you might see on a quiz or test.