Dichotomous Key

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One response to “Dichotomous Key”

1. 

   June 20, 2025

   Steph the TA

   Connor –
   I like the indending, and most of your descriptions. There are a few problems here, however.

   First: There shouldn’t be two of every letter in a couplet – they have to be distinguishable, because they are describing unique features. Take a look at some of the other submissions – you’ll see designations like A and A’ (A-prime). This is the dichotomy in a dichotomous key. D and D’ are correct.

   Second: Each line has to point to another couplet, or resolve to a plant. Right now, The only couplets that work correctly are A and A, D and D’ (see my first point above), and E and E.

   Third: You’re right – Plants 2 and 3 are angiosperms, and that’s a very good term to use here. Is Plant 1 a pine (which is a specific Genus), however, or is it something else? And is there a more accurate term, equivalent to angiosperm, that you could use to describe it?

   Finally: Take another, very close look at Plant 4. Then look at pictures of moss, including the reproductive features. If you get stuck on this, email me (szaborac@alaska.edu).

   Please try again. You have a good opportunity here to simplify your key substantially.

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