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In biology, an identification key, taxonomic key, or frequently just key, is a printed or computer-aided device that aids in the identification of biological organisms. Historically, the most common type of identification key is the dichotomous key , a type of single-access key which offers a fixed sequence of identification steps, each with ...
In phylogenetics, a single-access key (also called dichotomous key, sequential key, analytical key, [1] or pathway key) is an identification key where the sequence and structure of identification steps is fixed by the author of the key. At each point in the decision process, multiple alternatives are offered, each leading to a result or a ...
Where possible, this is traditionally done using dichotomous keys. Keys are traditionally found in such works such as floras, field guides or monographs. Botanical or entomological keys have been coded as computer programs. Applications are even available now which use artificial intelligence to identify plants on the basis of photographs.
In a diagnostic key, the branching structure of the key should not be mistaken for a phylogenetic or cladistic branching pattern. All single-access keys form a decision tree (or graph if reticulation exists), and thus all such keys have a branching structure. "Branching key" may therefore occasionally be used as a synonym for single-access key.
Identifying moths. Identification in biology is the process of assigning a pre-existing taxon name to an individual organism.Identification of organisms to individual scientific names (or codes) may be based on individualistic natural body features, [1] experimentally created individual markers (e.g., color dot patterns), or natural individualistic molecular markers (similar to those used in ...
Molecular studies by molecular systematists, based on DNA analysis, in the early 21st century have revealed new relationships among mammal families. Classification systems based on molecular studies reveal three major groups or lineages of placental mammals, Afrotheria, Xenarthra, and Boreoeutheria. which diverged from early common ancestors in the Cretaceous.
The family Balaenidae, the right whales, contains two genera and four species. All right whales have no ventral grooves; a distinctive head shape with a strongly arched, narrow rostrum, bowed lower jaw; lower lips that enfold the sides and front of the rostrum; and long, narrow, elastic baleen plates (up to nine times longer than wide) with fine baleen fringes.
In biology or medicine, a multi-access key is an identification key which overcomes the problem of the more traditional single-access keys (dichotomous or polytomous identification keys) of requiring a fixed sequence of identification steps.