Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of a question that would be asked in a dichotomous key?
A
Does the organism have wings or no wings?
B
What is the scientific name of the organism?
C
How many species are in this genus?
D
Where is the organism commonly found?
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the purpose of a dichotomous key: A dichotomous key is a tool used in biology to identify organisms based on a series of choices that lead the user to the correct identification. Each step in the key presents two contrasting options (e.g., 'Does the organism have wings or no wings?').
Analyze the options provided in the question: The goal is to determine which question aligns with the structure of a dichotomous key. A valid question in a dichotomous key must present a clear, observable characteristic that can be answered with a binary choice (e.g., 'yes' or 'no').
Evaluate the first option: 'Does the organism have wings or no wings?' This is a valid dichotomous key question because it presents two contrasting, observable traits that help narrow down the identification process.
Evaluate the remaining options: 'What is the scientific name of the organism?' is not a valid dichotomous key question because it requires prior knowledge rather than observation. 'How many species are in this genus?' and 'Where is the organism commonly found?' are also not valid because they do not involve observable traits and are not binary choices.
Conclude that the correct example of a dichotomous key question is: 'Does the organism have wings or no wings?' because it fits the criteria of being a binary, observable characteristic used for identification.