KEYS
 A key is used to identify an animal or plant
A key consists of pairs (or small groups) of statements
One of the statements will always be true about the animal (or plant) you are trying to identify

When using a key follow these rules:

  1. Always start at clue number 1
  2. Look for the correct statement . This may give you the name of the animal.
    If it doesn't you must go to the clue it directs you to.
  3. Repeat rule 2 until you have the name of the animal you are trying to identify.

 

 

Example key which could be used to identify some animal groups:

1.How many legs does it have?
     no legs.................................................................Goto 2
     two legs................................................................Goto 3 
     four legs...............................................................Goto 4
     six legs ...............................................................insect
     eight legs..............................................................Spider 

2. Long and thin. Body divided into little rings.............................Earthworm
    No rings. Has a muscular foot that helps it stick to the ground..........Goto 5

3. Has feathers .............................................................Bird
    Smooth skin with some hair...............................................Human

4. Has fur or hair...........................................................Mammal
   Has no fur ...............................................................Goto 6

5. No shell. ................................................................Slug
    Body protected by a hard shell ..........................................Snail

6. Lives in or very near water...............................................goto 7
    Has a hard, dry skin with scales ........................................reptile

7. Has a smooth skin and can breath air.......................................Amphibian
   Lives underwater and has scales ...........................................fish