The key is also known as the taxonomical strides or taxonomical aid that is used for the classification and identification of the various living organisms that are unknown. This will help the researchers to identify the organisms and then classify them. A key is used by beginning with the first couplet and selecting the statement which fits the specimen. It directs the couplet to another couplet which provides the identity of the specimen. For example, the presence or absence of hair on the body can give a clue if an animal belongs to mammals or not. Separate taxonomic keys are required for each taxonomic category such as family, genus, and species for the purpose of identification. There are three types of keys which are dichotomous, polyclave, and probability.
Answered by Abhisek | 1 year agoIllustrate the taxonomical hierarchy with suitable examples of a plant and an animal.
Define and understand the following terms:
(i) Phylum
(ii) Class
(iii) Family
(iv) Order
(v) Genus
Try to collect all the currently accepted meanings for the word species. Discuss with your teacher the meaning of species in the case of higher plants and animals on one hand and bacteria on the other hand.
Can you identify the correct sequence of taxonomic categories?
(a) Species → Order → Phylum → Kingdom
(b) Genus → Species → Order → Kingdom
(c) Species → Genus → Order → Phylum
Define a taxon. Give some examples of taxa at different hierarchical levels.