Dichotomous Key on Norns

Norns belong to the genus Norno and can be divided into eight species that are generally located in specific regions of the world. Use the dichotomos key to identify the norns below. Write their complete scientific name (genus + species) in the blank.

norn

1. Has pointed ears ............................. go to 3
....Has rounded ears .............................go to 2

2. Has no tail .................................... Kentuckyus
....Has tail .......................................... Dakotus

3. Ears point upward ............................. go to 5
....Ears point downward ..........................go to 4

4. Engages in waving behavior .................. Dallus
....Has hairy tufts on ears .............................Californius

5. Engages in waving behavior ................... WalaWala
....Does not engage in waving behavior........go to 6

6. Has hair on head ................................... Beverlus
....Has no hair on head (may have ear tufts) .......go to 7

7. Has a tail ................................................... Yorkio
....Has no tail, aggressive ............................ Rajus

norn1 norn2 norn 3
A______________________ B_____________________ C____________________
norn 4 norn 5 norn 7
D_______________________ E______________________ F_____________________
norn 8 norn 6

 
G_____________________ H_______________________

 

Other Resources on Taxonomy and Dichotomous Keys

Dichotomous Key: Smilies - another dichotomous key practice

Taxonomy Project - students create their own kingdoms, phyla and other group classification and then design organisms

Exploring Phylogenetic Trees with Wolves - compare dogs, wolves, and coyotes and analyze a phylogenetic tree of canids

Practice with Taxonomy and Classification:   reinforcement activity, focuses on kingdoms and scientific names