Dichotomous Key:

This e-book can help with the identification of unknown organisms. The method adopted uses mostly a dichotomous key based on two choices, which is either in written format or pictographic, or both. For convenience, there may be polytomous sections within the book.
A written dichotomous key presents the reader with two statements that describe certain characteristics. The statements should be mutually exclusive for the key to work efficiently. For example, 'it is either red or it isn't'. On selecting one, the reader is presented with the next couplet choice in the key and so on - to eventually arrive at an identification. This key uses hyperlinks to navigate.

Classification with keys:

Taxonomic systems are based on similar characteristics or increasingly on DNA analysis. The systems attempt to model the natural order, thus helping research by classifying different organisms. Taxonomic systems vary, but the following system has been found useful:

• Domain
• Kingdom
• Phylum (called Division in plants)
• Class
• Order
• Family
• Genus
• Species

Limitations of a dichotomous key:

If the organism is not included in this key - it would never be found and this volume remains a work in progress. Whilst dichotomous keys have proved useful, they often offer dilemmas due to individual variations, so with any dichotomous key it helps to have two or three examples to improve sorting. Keys are useful but tend to become increasingly cumbersome as the lower levels are reached especially at genus level and below.

How the key works:

1. Go to start
2. Select a next level choice
3. Select a next level choice
4. Continue
5. Arrive at the lowest possible level
6. Organism is identified as much as possible

If the description at each level does not appear accurate then back up to some earlier couplet and start over, questioning each decision more carefully. Finally, a verification step is important by comparing the specimen with any further details available including description,photographs and other reference. The habitat and location where the sample was collected is useful for plants. If the description and other information satisfactorily confer, then a correct identification is possible.