systematics identification

• Dichotomous Key


  constructing this is the simplest way of identifying organisms
• How to use and construct dichotomous key?

  Understand the concept of dichotomous key and;

  construct a key of your own to identify
• Identification


  associating an unknown entity with a known one
• Diagnostic characterization (diagnosis)


  all features that distinguish an entitfy from all other entities
• Identification


  determining if diagnosis of unknown falls within the diagnosis of a known
• Taxonomic Literature


  various available lit incorporating description, illustrations and identification keys are useful for proper identification of unknown specimen
• Taxonomic Literature Types


  Systematics/Taxonomic Journals

  Flora/Fauna

  Monographs
• Flora/Fauna


  inventory of plants/animals of a defined geographical region
• Flora/fauna four types

  Local - limited geographical area (state, city, a valley or a mountain range)

  Regional - larger geographical area (botanical regions)

  Continental - involve continents

  Comprehensive treatments - much broader
• Monographs Types


  Monograph -comprehensive, provide l taxonomic data relating to the group, worldwide scope

  Revision - less comprehensive, includes synonymy, descriptions shorter emphasize diagnostic features

  Conspectus - outline of revision

  Synopsis - list of taxa much abbreviated
• Types of Taxonomic Keys

  1. Dichotomous Key
  2. Polyclave Key
  3. Computer - Constructed Keys
• Taxonomic Keys


  rapid identification of unknown specimen
• Dichotomous Key


  compare two contrasting statements called couplets
• Two Types of Dichotomous Keys

  Bracketed and Indented
• Polyclave Key


  List presence/absence of all features
• Computer - Constructed Keys

  DELTA sytstem
• 5 METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION

  1. Taxonomic Literature
  2. Taxonomic Keys
  3. Specimen Comparison
  4. Image Comparison
  5. Expert Determination
• If you can't identify the organism, what does it imply?

  It is new to science