Identification - Dichotomous Keys

Approved & Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team
The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Etate
E
Etate
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 16 | Total Attempts: 20,489
Questions: 7 | Attempts: 4,750

SettingsSettingsSettings
Identification - Dichotomous Keys - Quiz


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    An illustration of two fish is provided.  Which paired statements could be used to know the difference between the fish using a dichotomous key?

    • A.

      Eyes on side of head. Eyes on top of head.

    • B.

      One set of dorsal fins. Two sets of dorsal fins

    • C.

      Mouth at front of head. Mouth on underside of head.

    • D.

      Rounded caudal fin. Forked caudal fin.

    Correct Answer
    D. Rounded caudal fin. Forked caudal fin.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Rounded caudal fin. Forked caudal fin." This is because a dichotomous key is a tool used to identify organisms based on a series of paired statements. In this case, the statements refer to different characteristics of the fish. The first statement "Rounded caudal fin" describes a fish with a rounded tail fin, while the second statement "Forked caudal fin" describes a fish with a tail fin that is divided into two lobes. By comparing these two statements, one can determine the difference between fish with rounded caudal fins and those with forked caudal fins.

    Rate this question:

  • 2. 

    An illustration of four leaves and a dichotomous key are provided.  Use the dichotomous key to identify which of the leaves is from the magnolia tree.

    • A.

      Leaf 1

    • B.

      Leaf 2

    • C.

      Leaf 3

    • D.

      Leaf 4

    Correct Answer
    D. Leaf 4
  • 3. 

    A table of arachnid and insect characteristics is shown.  Which characteristic could be used to distinguish between arachnids and insects?

    • A.

      Jointed legs

    • B.

      Body segments

    • C.

      Presence of eyes

    • D.

      Presence of antennae

    Correct Answer
    D. Presence of antennae
    Explanation
    The presence of antennae could be used to distinguish between arachnids and insects. Arachnids, such as spiders, scorpions, and ticks, do not have antennae, while insects, such as beetles, flies, and bees, typically have antennae. Therefore, the presence or absence of antennae can be a key characteristic in differentiating between these two groups of organisms.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    A scientist discovers a new plant in the jungle.  Which of the following observations of the plants characteristics would be useful in determining its identity with a dichotomous key?

    • A.

      It was discovered in the summertime

    • B.

      It is wet from a recent rain storm

    • C.

      Its leaves curl up on the edges

    • D.

      It is eaten by native jungle ants

    Correct Answer
    C. Its leaves curl up on the edges
    Explanation
    The observation that the plant's leaves curl up on the edges would be useful in determining its identity with a dichotomous key because this characteristic can help differentiate it from other plants. The dichotomous key is a tool that uses a series of choices to identify an organism based on its characteristics. By noting that the plant's leaves curl up on the edges, the scientist can use this as a distinguishing feature to narrow down the options in the dichotomous key and determine the plant's identity.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    An illustration of three beetles is given.  A student examines three different species of beetles that are related.  What structure is identical in all three beetle species?

    • A.

      Antennae length

    • B.

      Placement of eyes

    • C.

      Markings on abdomen

    • D.

      Width of thorax

    Correct Answer
    D. Width of thorax
    Explanation
    In the given illustration, the width of the thorax is the structure that is identical in all three beetle species. This means that regardless of the species, all three beetles have the same width of the thorax.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    A dichotomous key is provided.  A fish is caught that has eyes on the side of its head and a wide body covered in spots.  What kind of fish is this?

    • A.

      Cornetfish

    • B.

      Flounder

    • C.

      Puffer fish

    • D.

      Snapper

    Correct Answer
    C. Puffer fish
    Explanation
    The fish described in the question has eyes on the side of its head and a wide body covered in spots. Among the given options, the puffer fish is the most likely choice because puffer fish typically have eyes on the side of their head and their bodies are often wide and covered in spots. Therefore, the fish caught is most likely a puffer fish.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    An illustration of an organism and a dichotomous key are given.  What is the organism?

    • A.

      Arachnid

    • B.

      Dragonfly

    • C.

      Fruit fly

    • D.

      May fly

    Correct Answer
    B. Dragonfly
    Explanation
    Based on the given information, the organism depicted in the illustration is a dragonfly.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Nov 07, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Oct 09, 2018
    Quiz Created by
    Etate
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement