Can more than one dichotomous key be developed to identify the same group of organisms? Explain. To answer this question, refer to this lesson's dichotomous key for birds.

Certainly. Every organism has a variety of different characteristics. One person writing a key might choose to use different characteristics than another person would use.

For example: Here's a key for separating fish, snake, frog and mouse

1.

A. Has scales on its skin ... 2

B. Has no scales on its skin ... 3

2.

A. Breathes with gills - fish

B. Breathes with lungs - snake

3.

A. Has hair or fur - mouse

B. Has no hair or fur - frog

Here's a different key for the same four animals:

1.

A. Has four legs ... 2

B. Does not have 4 legs ... 3

2.

A. is warm-blooded - mouse

B. is cold-blooded - frog

3.

A. has fins - fish

B. has no fins - snake