A dichotomous key is constructed of a series of couplets, each consisting of two separate statements. For example:

Couplet 1.

a. Seeds round soybeans

b. Seeds oblong 2 (this statement indicates that you go to couplet 2)

Couplet 2.

a. Seeds white northern beans

b. Seeds black black beans

By reading the two statements of each couplet, you progress through the key from typically broad characteristics to narrower characteristics until only a single choice remains. As long as the correct statement of each couplet is chosen, and the unknown organism is included in the key, a confident identification is usually achieved.

Many types of organisms can be identified using a dichotomous key. In this lab, you will identify salamanders.

Note: Answer questions under the Procedure section. You do NOT have to upload the pictures of the salamanders. Just supply the correct names in order 1-11.

The first salamander is classified for you as follows:

1.b, 2.b, 3. b, 5.a, 6.b Slimy Salamander

Procedure

1. Download the dichotomous key and the pictures of salamanders.

2. Use the dichotomous key provided to identify the 11 salamanders shown.

3. Write the pathway you took to get to the name of the salamander next to the drawing.

Again, you do NOT have to upload the pictures of the salamanders. Merely supply the correct names of the salamanders in order 1-11 and the pathway you took to get to the name of the salamander. Type your responses directly in the textbox of the assignment dropbox – no need to attach a file.