1. Notes Science SPI 0807.5.1 Classification Keys
Tennessee SPI Objective:
Use a simple classification key to identify an unknown organism.
Essential Question(s)
How do I use…
1) …a dichotomous key to identify an organism?
2) …a classification table to identify an organism?
3) …a flow chart to identify an organism?
4) …a branch diagram to identify an organism?
Instructions for Students
1) Make sure you view this presentation in slideshow mode.
2) You can find instructions about how to do this by doing a Google search or by searching YouTube.
3) After you have it in slideshow mode, press the right-arrow keyboard button to advance through the presentation.
4) If you need help, please communicate with your teacher.
Success Criteria
I can…
1) …identify an organism with a dichotomous key.
2) …identify an organism with a classification table.
3) …identify an organism with a flow chart.
4) …identify an organism with a branch diagram.
ing products.
3) I can contrast adaptive and assistive bioengineering products.

2. 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 come after
Classification Tables
Dichotomous Key
Flow Chart
Branch Diagram

3. 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 does not have brown fur-----Go to step three
3a. It has black fur species: Ursus americanus
3b. It does not have black fur Go to step four
Video Link: Dichotomous Key Tutorial

4. 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

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

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

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.