Use an identification key if you are unsure of a species of animal or plant. 1. Look carefully at the characteristics of the organism, e.g. if it is an insect, how many legs does it have? 2. Begin answering the questions on the key. 3. Continue until you identify the organism.
EXAMPLE Question
Use the identification key to identify the plants shown in the following images: A.
B. C. D.
1 2 3 Solution
A Pine B Ash C Chestnut D Beech
?
Needle leaves Non-needle leaves
Single simple leaf Leaf made up of many small leaflets
Upper surface of leaf dark green Upper surface of leaf light green
Pine Go to 2
Beech Go to 3
Ash Chestnut
TEST TUBE
15. Use the identification key to identify the animals shown in the following images: A.
B. C. D.
1 Bright-coloured body Dark-coloured body
2 Short armour-like body Long slender body
3 One pair of legs per segment Two pairs of legs per segment