What are Dichotomous Keys?
Dichotomous keys are tools for the identification of specimens. A dichotomy is a split into two parts, hence a dichotomous key is one in which each step is split into two choices. A two-way ‘decision tree’ is much the same thing. The key is in the form of a series of couplets. Each couplet asks whether the specimen has a particular characteristic or not. On the next page there is a partial key to the skulls of mammals which should help you to understand how a dichotomous key works. The key has been modified from Will’s Skull Page If you go to Will’s site from here then it will display in a new window. Close the window to return here.
