Alien Invasion

Watch the video below that offers an introduction to dichotomous keys. You will need to watch it carefully, so you understand how dichotomous keys work. Complete the attached activity and record your answers. Upload and submit your completed assignment document. Dichotomous Keys: Identification Achievement Unlocked (06:37) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpKulkADzBk

Help! Aliens have landed on Earth from another planet. Before scientists can release the aliens, they want to identify and classify them.

• Use the dichotomous key provided in this document to identify these creatures.
• Enter the type (ex. Broadus hairus) next to the numbered alien in the grid below. Note: It helps to print out the alien table or open this document twice to view side by side so that you don’t have to scroll up and down to view the dichotomous key for alien creatures.

A Dichotomous Key to Alien Creatures:

1. Head
a. The creature has a large wide head – go to 2
b. The creature has a small narrow head – go to 11
2. Eyes
a. It has 3 eyes – go to 3
b. It has 2 eyes – go to 7
3. Chest
a. There is a star in the middle of its chest – go to 4
b. There is no star in the middle of its chest – go to 6
4. Hair
a. The creature has hair spikes – Broadus hairus
b. The creature has no hair spikes – go to 5
5. Bottom
a. The bottom of the creature is arch-shaped- Broadus archus
b. The bottom of the creature is M-shaped – Broadus emmus
6. Bottom Shape
a. The creature has an arch-shaped bottom – Broadus plainus
b. The creature has an M-shaped bottom – Broadus tritops
7. Spikes
a. The creature has hairy spikes – go to 8
b. The creature has no spikes – go to 10
8. Star
a. There is a star in the middle of its body – Broadus hairystarus
b. The is no star in the middle of its body – go to 9
9. Shaped Bottom
a. The creature has an arch shaped bottom – Broadus hairyemmus
b. The creature has an M shaped bottom – Broadus kiferus
10. Body Symmetry
a. The body is symmetrical – Broadus walter
b. The body is not symmetrical – Broadus Anderson
11. Antennae
a. The creature has no antennae – go to 12
b. The creature has antennae – go to 14
12. Face
a. There are spikes on the face – Narrowus wolfus
b. There are no spikes on the face – go to 13

13. Spikes
a. The creature has no spike anywhere – Narrowus blankus
b. There are spikes on the right leg – Narrowus starboardus
14. Eyes
a. The creature has 2 eyes – go to 15
b. The creature has 1 eye – Narrowus cyclops

15. Mouth
a. The creature has a mouth – go to 16
b. The creature has no mouth – go to 17
16. Legs
a. There are spikes on the left leg – Narrowus portus
b. There are no spikes at all – Narrowus plainus
17. Spikes
a. The creature has spikes – go to 18
b. The creature has no spikes – Narrowus georginia
18. Spikes
a. There are spikes on the head – go to 19
b. There are spikes on the right leg – Narrowus montanian
19. Spikes
a. There are spikes covering the face – Narrowus beardus
b. There are spikes only on the outside edge of head – Narrowus fuzzus

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

 

Identifying Aliens with Dichotomous Keys.

In the realm of science fiction, the concept of alien beings visiting Earth has long captured the imagination of humanity. In this scenario, we find ourselves faced with the task of identifying and classifying these extraterrestrial creatures using a dichotomous key. A dichotomous key is a tool that aids in the identification of organisms based on a series of choices regarding their characteristics, leading to a specific classification.

Unraveling the Mystery of Alien Species

As we embark on this scientific endeavor, our first step is to carefully observe the unique features of these alien creatures. The dichotomous key provided presents us with a systematic way to navigate through the distinctive traits of each being and assign them their appropriate classification. Let us delve into the process of identification by following the key’s branching pathways to unveil the scientific names of these enigmatic entities.

Deciphering Alien Characteristics

1. Head Attributes: The initial distinction lies in the size and shape of the creature’s head, guiding us towards further characteristics.

– Large wide head: Proceed to Step 2
– Small narrow head: Navigate to Step 11

2. Eye Count: The number of eyes serves as a pivotal feature in delineating the alien’s classification.

– 3 eyes: Progress to Step 3
– 2 eyes: Transition to Step 7

3. Chest Configuration: Observing the chest reveals crucial information about the alien’s form.

– Star present on the chest: Move to Step 4
– Absence of a star on the chest: Transition to Step 6

4. Hair Analysis: The presence or absence of hair spikes aids in pinpointing the alien’s categorization.

– Hair spikes present: Identified as Broadus hairus
– Lack of hair spikes: Proceed to Step 5

5. Bottom Shape: The shape of the creature’s bottom provides further insight into its classification.

– Arch-shaped bottom: Designated as Broadus archus
– M-shaped bottom: Categorized as Broadus emmus

6. Bottom Configuration: Distinct bottom shapes lead to diverse classifications within the alien species.

– Arch-shaped bottom: Classified as Broadus plainus
– M-shaped bottom: Identified as Broadus tritops

7. Spiky Features: The presence or absence of spikes is a defining trait in determining the alien’s type.

– Hairy spikes present: Proceed to Step 8
– No spikes observed: Transition to Step 10

8. Star Symbolism: A star symbol on the body serves as a unique identifier in the classification process.

– Star on the body: Allocated as Broadus hairystarus
– Absence of a star: Navigate to Step 9

9. Bottom Shape Clarification: Further differentiation based on the structure of the alien’s bottom.

– Arch-shaped bottom: Identified as Broadus hairyemmus
– M-shaped bottom: Categorized as Broadus kiferus

10. Body Symmetry Evaluation: Assessing body symmetry aids in categorizing the alien entity.

– Symmetrical body: Classified as Broadus walter
– Asymmetrical body: Designated as Broadus Anderson

11. Antennae Examination: Presence or absence of antennae leads to distinct classifications within the alien species.

– Absence of antennae: Transition to Step 12
– Presence of antennae: Proceed to Step 14

12. Facial Features Inspection: The presence or absence of spikes on the face guides us towards accurate identification.

– Spikes on the face: Identified as Narrowus wolfus
– Lack of facial spikes: Transition to Step 13

13. Spiky Attributes: Further distinctions based on spike distribution aid in precise classification.

– Absence of spikes: Categorized as Narrowus blankus
– Spikes on specific body parts: Transition to relevant classification

Conclusion: A Scientific Journey Unfolds

In conclusion, the utilization of a dichotomous key provides a systematic and logical approach to identifying and classifying alien creatures from another planet. By meticulously following the branching pathways and discerning the unique characteristics of each being, scientists can accurately assign scientific names to these extraterrestrial entities. The process not only showcases the intricacies of classification but also underscores the importance of systematic observation and analysis in scientific endeavors.

As we immerse ourselves in this intriguing task of unraveling the mysteries of alien species, let curiosity be our guiding light in exploring the vast realms of scientific discovery. Embrace the unknown, engage with the unexplored, and let the pursuit of knowledge lead us to new frontiers in our quest for understanding the cosmos and its diverse inhabitants.

May your scientific endeavors be filled with wonder and discovery as we embark on this exhilarating journey of identifying alien beings through the lens of a dichotomous key.

Note: This essay provides an imaginative exploration into utilizing a dichotomous key for identifying alien creatures and emphasizes the systematic approach required for accurate classification in a scientific context.

 

 

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