4
AssignmentMultiple Choice

Identifying Unknown Organisms

Question 4 • Biology - SC3209 IC

Why are dichotomous keys used?

Answer
A
to describe new organisms
B
to group similar organisms together
C
to identify an organism based on characteristics of known organisms
D
to identify an organism based on its DNA
E
to describe organisms based on observable traits

Explanation

A dichotomous key helps identify an unknown organism by comparing its observable characteristics with descriptions of known organisms. At each step, you choose between two contrasting statements until you reach the organism’s identity. It is not primarily used to group organisms or identify them from DNA.

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