Quiz On Field Guides And Taxonomic Keys
This is a quiz for middle school science students on field guides, taxonomic keys, and how they relate to the classification of living organisms.
- 1.
An "either this or that" scenario best describes
- A.
Field guides
- B.
Dichotomous keys
- C.
Classification
- D.
One of life's tough choices
Correct Answer
B. Dichotomous keysExplanation
A "dichotomous key" is a tool used in classification to identify organisms based on a series of choices between two contrasting characteristics. It presents a series of paired statements or questions, and based on the characteristics observed, guides the user to the correct identification of the organism. This process of elimination and decision-making resembles an "either this or that" scenario, making the answer "dichotomous keys" the best fit for the given question.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
In order for a field guide to work well, organisms must be identified with
- A.
Physiological features
- B.
Behavioral features
- C.
Smellable features
- D.
Observable features
Correct Answer
D. Observable featuresExplanation
A field guide is a tool used to identify organisms in their natural habitats. For the guide to be effective, the organisms must be identified using observable features. Physiological features such as internal structures or processes may not be easily visible in the field. Similarly, behavioral features may not always be observed or may vary depending on the circumstances. Smellable features may not be practical to use as a primary method of identification. Therefore, observable features such as physical characteristics, color patterns, or external structures are the most reliable and commonly used criteria for identifying organisms in a field guide.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
The word "dichotomous" is best defined as
- A.
A certain classification of plants
- B.
Something having two possible outcomes
- C.
A field guide
- D.
An evolutionary relationship between two species
Correct Answer
B. Something having two possible outcomesExplanation
The word "dichotomous" is best defined as something having two possible outcomes. This term is often used in situations where there are two distinct and mutually exclusive options or choices. It implies a division or separation into two parts or categories. In this context, "dichotomous" refers to a situation or concept that presents only two possible outcomes, leaving no room for a middle ground or additional alternatives.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
One drawback of field guides is that
- A.
They only show the evolutionary relationship between two or more organisms
- B.
They don't show the evolutionary relationship between two or more organisms
- C.
Some have drawings while others have photos
- D.
They don't say anything about where an organism can be found in the wild
Correct Answer
B. They don't show the evolutionary relationship between two or more organismsExplanation
Field guides are typically used to identify and provide information about different organisms in nature. However, one drawback of field guides is that they do not show the evolutionary relationship between two or more organisms. While they may provide information about the characteristics, behavior, and habitat of organisms, they do not specifically depict the evolutionary connections between different species. Therefore, field guides may not be the most suitable resource for studying the evolutionary relationships between organisms.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
In order for taxonomic keys to be effective the paired statements used must
- A.
Cover a wide variety of characteristics
- B.
Cover only one or two characteristics
- C.
Cover one characteristic at a time
- D.
Be ignored completely
Correct Answer
C. Cover one characteristic at a timeExplanation
Taxonomic keys are used to identify organisms based on their characteristics. To be effective, the paired statements used in taxonomic keys must cover one characteristic at a time. This is because covering multiple characteristics in a single statement can lead to confusion and incorrect identification. By focusing on one characteristic at a time, the key allows for a systematic and accurate process of identification.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Which of the following would not typically be used as a field guide?
- A.
A guide to backyard flowers
- B.
A birdwatching book
- C.
A small book on the different kinds of fish you could catch from a small lake
- D.
A key on the species of botflies that infest caribou herds in the Arctic
Correct Answer
D. A key on the species of botflies that infest caribou herds in the ArcticExplanation
A field guide is typically used to identify and learn about different species of plants, animals, or other natural phenomena in their natural habitats. The first three options, a guide to backyard flowers, a birdwatching book, and a small book on different kinds of fish in a small lake, all fit this description as they provide information and identification tools for specific species found in specific environments. However, a key on the species of botflies that infest caribou herds in the Arctic is more specific and focused on a particular type of insect infestation in a specific location, which is not typically covered in a general field guide.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Dichotomous keys always begin with
- A.
A set of paired statements labeled 1a and 1b
- B.
A set of paired statements labeled 1 and 2
- C.
A set of paired statements labeled 1 through 10
- D.
A set of paired statements labeled 1a and 2a
Correct Answer
A. A set of paired statements labeled 1a and 1bExplanation
Dichotomous keys always begin with a set of paired statements labeled 1a and 1b. This is because dichotomous keys are used to identify organisms by making a series of choices between two contrasting characteristics. The paired statements labeled 1a and 1b provide the first choice that the user must make in order to proceed with the identification process. This initial choice helps to narrow down the possible options and directs the user to the next set of paired statements, ultimately leading to the correct identification of the organism.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Choose one of the following to best complete this statement: ____________ are used as a quick and easy reference whereas __________ are used to specifically identify an organism to genus and species.
- A.
Field guides, textbooks
- B.
Textbooks, taxonomic keys
- C.
Taxonomic keys, field guides
- D.
Field guides, taxonomic keys
Correct Answer
D. Field guides, taxonomic keysExplanation
Field guides are used as a quick and easy reference for identifying organisms in their natural habitats, providing general information about their appearance, behavior, and habitat. On the other hand, taxonomic keys are used to specifically identify an organism to its genus and species by using a series of dichotomous keys or identification steps based on observable characteristics.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
In biology the word "field" refers to
- A.
A farmer's field
- B.
The natural environment
- C.
A forest
- D.
Well, um, a field...
Correct Answer
B. The natural environmentExplanation
The correct answer is "the natural environment" because in biology, the term "field" is used to describe the natural surroundings or habitat in which organisms live and interact. It can refer to any type of ecosystem, such as a grassland, desert, or aquatic environment. This term is commonly used in ecological studies and fieldwork to understand the interactions between organisms and their environment.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
When identifying a new organism while using a taxonomic key, you should
- A.
Start at the beginning each time
- B.
Pick up where you left off last time
- C.
Wait for a new copy of the key to become available
- D.
Ask someone else to do it for you
Correct Answer
A. Start at the beginning each timeExplanation
When identifying a new organism using a taxonomic key, it is important to start at the beginning each time because taxonomic keys are typically designed to be followed step by step, with each step leading to a more specific identification. By starting at the beginning, you ensure that you follow the correct sequence of steps and do not miss any important characteristics or traits that may be crucial for accurately identifying the organism. Starting at the beginning also helps to avoid any potential biases or assumptions that may arise from picking up where you left off last time.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
-
Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Oct 28, 2008Quiz Created by
Somateria
Back to top