Module 3 Intro

Module 3—Ecosystems and Their Diversity

Lesson Summary

In this lesson you explored the following question:

• How can observable characteristics be used to identify organisms at the genus species level?

By using and creating a dichotomous key, you were able to identify organisms using observation skills you already have. You have looked at what kind of characteristics separate species from one another. The traits you used to classify organisms in this lesson were morphological rather than cellular.
 

Lesson Glossary

dichotomous key: an identification key that uses a series of paired comparisons to sort organisms into smaller and smaller groups

morphology: the physical structure and form of an organism; the outward appearance of an organism

Biology 20 © 2008 Alberta Education