What is the role of the keys in taxonomy?Illustrate with an example.

Taxonomic keys are written characteristic information that helps a person to identify an unknown species of living organism. The taxonomic key provides a certain structure on the basis of which the user can sort out the taxonomic position of the unknown species.

Indented key provides number of choices between two or more contrasting characters.

For example,

  • Able to disappear
  • Wings absent
  • Body covered by furs
  • Wings present
  • Unable to disappear
  • Body covered by feathers

In Bracketed key the two or more contrasting characters always remain in pairs.

For example,

  • Able to disappear
  • Unable to disappear

 

  • Wings present
  • Wings absent

 

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Key is another taxonomical aid used for identification of plants and animals
based on the similarities and dissimilarities. The keys are based on the
contrasting characters generally in a pair called couplet. It represents
the choice made between two opposite options. This results in acceptance
of only one and rejection of the other. Each statement in the key is called
a lead. Separate taxonomic keys are required for each taxonomic category
such as family, genus and species for identification purposes. Keys are
generally analytical in nature.

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