Question

procedure: use the dichotomous key provided on the back of this sheet to identify at least 3 species of salamanders (in addition to the two we will work through in class). begin by reading statements 1a and 1b. one of the statements describes the salamander, the other statement does not. follow the directions for the statement that applies to that salamander and continue following the correct statements until you have identified it. record the scientific and common names of the salamander in the data table below. 3. repeat step 2 for each of the other salamanders in figure 1 data table: scientific name common name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. post - lab questions: answer the following using complete thoughts. 3. as you used the classification key to identify the salamanders, did the characteristics you used start out general and become more specific, or did you start with specific characteristics that became more general? 4. what two names make up the scientific name of each salamander?

Explanation:

1. Dichotomous keys typically start with general characteristics and progress to more specific ones to narrow down the identification. For example, starting with broad - body shape or coloration and then moving to more detailed features like scale patterns or fin shapes.
2. The scientific name of each organism in binomial nomenclature consists of the genus name and the species name.

Answer:

1. The characteristics started out general and became more specific.
2. Genus name and species name.