Quick Lab A Guided Inquiry Using a Dichotomous Key
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A dichotomous key is a series of steps that lead to a classification of an organism. It consists of
a series of paired statements that describe alternative characteristics of organisms. Use the key
to identify the type of tree that produced each leaf. Begin with Step 1. Your answer to each step
will either bring you to the next step or identify the tree. The results will show either the next step
or the name of the tree.
Dichotomous Key for Classifying Leaves
Step Leaf Characteristics
Result
la Compound leaf, divided into leaflets
Go to step 2
Simple leaf, not divided into leaflets
Go to step 4
Leaflets all attached at a central point
Buckeye
Leaflets attached at several points
Go to step 3
3a Leaflets tapered with pointed tips
Pecan
36 Leaflets oval with rounded tips
Locust
Veins branched out from one central point Go to step 5
45 Veins branched-off main vein in middle of the leaf Go to step 6
5a Heart-shaped leat
Redbud
5b
Star-shaped leal
Sweet gum
1b
2a
2b
4a
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