Rory is trying to identify a tree from one of its leaves. A question on the dichotomous key that he is using asks whether the leaf has 3-5 lobes or more than 5 lobes. Rory cannot tell whether the leaf in his hand has 5 or 6 lobes. What should Rory do to continue identifying the tree? Look at other leaves from the same tree, and count how many lobes they have. Skip this question, since one question does not make a difference. Start over from the beginning of the dichotomous key. Find a different dichotomous key to use that does not ask this question.

Question

Biology

Molly Wu

18 March, 01:32

Rory is trying to identify a tree from one of its leaves. A question on the dichotomous key that he is using asks whether the leaf has 3-5 lobes or more than 5 lobes. Rory cannot tell whether the leaf in his hand has 5 or 6 lobes. What should Rory do to continue identifying the tree? Look at other leaves from the same tree, and count how many lobes they have. Skip this question, since one question does not make a difference. Start over from the beginning of the dichotomous key. Find a different dichotomous key to use that does not ask this question.

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Trevon Fisher · Answer 1

He should look at and count the lobes on other leaves on the tree. The leaf he picked may simply have some genetic defect that makes it hard to discern the number of lobes. Fortunately, he has an entire tree of leaves to choose from. So, he should just pick another leaf off the tree and count its lobes. It's still the same tree; picking one leaf over another won't change the type of tree.