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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 ...
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.
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.
As a natural system of classification, it does not show evolutionary relationship between plants but still is a useful and popular system of classification based on a dichotomous key. It is the most popular system of classification especially for the flowering plant groups (angiosperms) based on key characteristics.
Like John Ray he extensively used dichotomous keys which led first to the higher groups, which he called higher genera (genus summum) of plant orders (ordo), and then to the lower genera. Along with Joseph Pitton de Tournefort , Rivinus was the first to apply consistently the rule that the names of all species in a genus should start with the ...
The terms "tabular key" and "matrix key" are best limited to a tabular presentation format of multi-access keys. [3] The term "synoptic key" has an older definition, defining it as a key reflecting taxonomic classification and opposed to diagnostic keys arranged solely for the convenience of identification. [1]
George Bentham and Joseph Dalton Hooker published an excellent classification in three volumes in between 1862 and 1883. As a natural system of classification, it does not show evolutionary relationship between plants but still is a useful and popular system of classification based on a dichotomous key especially for the flowering plant groups ...