Dichotomous key
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Title
Dichotomous key
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Definition
A dichotomous key aids in the identification of a family, genus, or species by progressively giving choices based on different states of a character (e.g., leaf complexity with the character states being leaves simple or leaves compound). A series of similar questions eventually leads to a possible identification of the plant in hand but this should be confirmed by reading descriptions, comparing with collections in a herbarium, or with images from various sources (e.g., Google images). If a monograph or flora exists for the group it is identified as they can be consulted to confirm the determination.
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Related Terms
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