Dichotomous Key Vocab

Classification

the process of identifying shared characteristics or qualities to assign an object or
organism to a group

Dichotomous key

a classification tool used to identify an object or organism based on a series of
contrasting physical characteristics that become more specififc, leading to the point of identification

Taxonomy

the branch of science that deals with the classification of organisms

Species

a group of organisms that can interbreed and successfully create fertile offspring

Binomial nomenclature

The system of naming organisms with two terms, one for its genus, and one
for its species

Fish

refers to a single species or multiple individuals of a single species

Fishes

refers to more than one/multiple different species of fish

Morphology

the branch of biology that deals with the form and function of organisms

Posterior

behind or towards the back end of the body

Anterior

n front of or towards the front end of the body

Dorsal

toward or near the back or upper portion/surface of the body

Ventral

toward or near the bottom or under portion/surface of the body

Superior (mouth position)

upturned and found in fishes that feed on prey above them

Terminal (mouth position)

straight forward and found in fishes that feed on prey in front of them

Inferior (mouth position)

bottom facing and found in fishes that feed on prey on or near the bottom

Trophic level

a position in a food chain that is occupied by organisms, ex. producer, herbivore (primary
consumer), carnivore (secondary/tertiary consumer)

Food chain

a network of links in a food web that begins with producers and lead to higher consumers.

Chesapeake Bay

the largest estuary in the United Stateslocated on the mid-Atlantic coast; home to
over 3,600 species of plants and animals