What is a dichotomous key?

• A road map to identifying an object!

• For example…
SHOES
Athletic?
Yes No

Spikes on the bottom? High heel?

Yes Yes No
No
Above the ankle? Open toe?
Soccer Running
Cleats sneakers
Yes No Yes No

Boots Pumps Sandals Flats

 What is a dichotomous key?
• A road map to identifying an object!
• For example…
SHOES
Athletic?
Yes No

Spikes on the bottom? High heel?

Yes Yes No
No
Above the ankle? Open toe?
Soccer Running
Cleats sneakers
Yes No Yes No

Boots Pumps Sandals Flats

 What is a dichotomous key?
• A road map to identifying an object!
• For example…
SHOES
Athletic?
Yes No

Spikes on the bottom? High heel?

Yes Yes No
No
Above the ankle? Open toe?
Soccer Running
Cleats sneakers
Yes No Yes No

Boots Pumps Sandals Flats

 What is a dichotomous key?
• A road map to identifying an object!
• For example…
SHOES
Athletic?
Yes No

Spikes on the bottom? High heel?

Yes Yes No
No
Above the ankle? Open toe?
Soccer Running
Cleats sneakers
Yes No Yes No

Boots Pumps Sandals Flats

 What is a dichotomous key?
• A road map to identifying an object!
• For example…
SHOES
Athletic?
Yes No

Spikes on the bottom? High heel?

Yes Yes No
No
Above the ankle? Open toe?
Soccer Running
Cleats sneakers
Yes No Yes No

Boots Pumps Sandals Flats

 What is a dichotomous key?
• A road map to identifying an object!
• For example…
SHOES
Athletic?
Yes No

Spikes on the bottom? High heel?

Yes Yes No
No
Above the ankle? Open toe?
Soccer Running
Cleats sneakers
Yes No Yes No

Boots Pumps Sandals Flats

 Explanation
Ensure students have mastered this skill before
applying dichotomous keys to the classification
of species.