Dichotomous+Key+of+Salamander


 * **// Dichotomous Key to Salamanders //** ||  ||


 * // Introduction: //**
 * A dichotomous key is constructed of a series of couplets, each consisting of two separate statements. **
 * By reading the two statements of each couplet, you progress through the key from typically broad characteristics to narrower characteristics until only a single choice remains. As long as the correct statement of each couplet is chosen, and the unknown organism is included in the key, a confident identification is usually achieved. Many types of organisms can be identified using a dichotomous key. In this lab, you will identify salamanders. **
 * // Procedure: //**
 *  1.  **** Use the dichotomous key provided to identify the salamanders in Figure 1. **
 *  2.  **** Write the pathway you took to get to the name of the salamander next to the drawing. **
 *  3.  **** Write the correct name for the salamander on the line below each picture. **
 * // Key to the Salamanders: //**
 * ** 1 ** || ** a ** || ** Hind limbs absent ** || **// Siren //** ||
 * || ** b ** || ** Hind limbs present ** || ** Go to 2 ** ||
 * ** 2 ** || ** a ** || ** External gills present in adults ** || **// Mud puppy //** ||
 * || ** b ** || ** External gills absent in adults ** || ** Go to 3 ** ||
 * ** 3 ** || ** a ** || ** Large size (over 7 cm long) ** || ** Go to 4 ** ||
 * || ** b ** || ** Small size (under 7 cm long) ** || ** Go to 5 ** ||
 * ** 4 ** || ** a ** || ** Body background black, large white spots irregular in shape and size completely covering body & tail ** || **// Tiger salamander //** ||
 * || ** b ** || ** Body background black, small, round, white spots in a row along each side fro eye to tip of tail ** || **// Spotted Salamander //** ||
 * ** 5 ** || ** a ** || ** Body background black with white spots ** || ** Go to 6 ** ||
 * || ** b ** || ** Body background light color with dark spots and or lines on body ** || ** Go to 7 ** ||
 * ** 6 ** || ** a ** || ** Small white spots on a black background in a row along each side from head to tip of tail ** || **// Jefferson //****// salamander //** ||
 * || ** b ** || ** Small white spots on a scattered throughout a black background from head to tip of tail ** || **// Slimy salamander //** ||
 * ** 7 ** || ** a ** || ** Large irregular black spots on a light background extending from head to tip of tail ** || **// Marbled salamander //** ||
 * || ** b ** || ** No large irregular black spots on a light background ** || ** Go to 8 ** ||
 * ** 8 ** || ** a ** || ** Round spots scattered along back and sides of body, tail flattened like a tadpole ** || **// Newt //** ||
 * || ** b ** || ** Without round spots and tail not flattened like a tadpole ** || ** Go to 9 ** ||
 * ** 9 ** || ** a ** || ** Two dark lines bordering a broad, light mid-dorsal stripe with a narrow median dark line extending from the head onto the tail ** || **// Two-lined salamander //** ||
 * || ** b ** || ** Without two dark lines running the length of the body ** || ** Go to 10 ** ||
 * ** 10 ** || ** a ** || ** A light stripe running the length of the body and bordered by dark pigment extending downward on the sides ** || **// Red-backed salamander //** ||
 * || ** b ** || ** A light stripe extending the length of the body, a marked constriction at the base of the tail ** || // Four toed salamander // ||