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How does a dichotomous key help you identify unknown specimens based on their traits? Answer with details about the format and structure of a dichotomous key.

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A dichotomous key helps you identify unknown specimens based on their traits because there are only two options available per trait. Selecting one from the two options (usually contrasting characteristics) from each step leads to smaller and smaller groups until the option is reduced to single and unique trait of an organism.

Considering you need to identify an organism. So, on the top of they key is animal with options: (a) with red blood cells and (b) no red blood cells. The option you will select is no red blood cells and under option b, you’re given two choices again: (a) hard bodies and (b) soft bodies. You’ll select soft bodies, then two options again are given: (a) with shell and (b) without shell. The option you’ll select would be without shell, and so on.

A dichotomous key is an important scientific tool which is used to identify different organisms on the basis of organism's observable traits.

What is dichotomous key?

A dichotomous key is a tool that can be used to identify organisms such as plants, animals and rocks etc. The dichotomous key consists of a series of paired statements or clues about features or characteristics that provides a stepwise guide toward identifying each organism.

Following is the format of dichotomous key:

Step 1: List down the characteristics.

Step 2: Organize the characteristics in order.

Step 3: Divide the specimens.

Step 4: Divide the specimen even further.

Step 5: Draw a dichotomous key diagram.

Step 6: Test it out.

Structure of dichotomous key

The “Dichotomous” means divided into two parts hence the dichotomous keys always present in two choices based on the key characteristics of the organism.

Learn more about traits here: https://brainly.com/question/1446563

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