Learning goal 1: Identify how many choices are given at each step in a dichotomous key.1234

A dichotomous key is a tool that allows the user to determine the identity of items in the natural world, such as trees, wildflowers, mammals, reptiles, rocks, and fish. The key presents a series of choices about the characteristics of the unknown items; each choice leads to a new set of choices, and so on, until the item is identified.

Here are the steps to identify how many choices are given at each step in a dichotomous key:

1. Start at the first step of the key. This is usually a broad characteristic that can easily separate the items into two groups.

2. Count the number of choices given at this step. In a dichotomous key, there should be two choices at each step. The term "dichotomous" comes from the Greek for "divided in two parts".

3. Move to the next step as directed by your choice in the previous step.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each step in the key until you reach the end.

5. By the end, you should have a clear understanding of how many choices are given at each step in the dichotomous key.

Remember, the purpose of a dichotomous key is to make identification easy and accurate by providing clear choices. If there are more than two choices at any step, it may not be a true dichotomous key.