Question

Using the dichotomous key above, what is the scientific name of this animal?a) Danaus plexippusb) Lithobates palustrisc)Turdus migratorius

Answer 1

A dichotomous key is a tool used to identify species, it gives you a sequence of characters to look at and we are offered multiple alternatives that lead us to the following choice until we identify the organism.

In this case, we can follow the key in this way:

1. a. It has a backbone.

Then we go to 3

3. b. Does not have gills and scales

We go to 4

4. a. Lay eggs.

We go to 5

5. a. Has feathers.

Is a Turdus migratorius (American robin)