A dichotomous key
is a tool used to identify many things including plants and animals. Dichotomous
meaning, "divided into two parts or two classifications" is
an indication of the structure of the key - you are given two options
at a time and the series of choices that you make lead you to a particular
species. This particular key has been developed for 44 species of trees
that are common to southern New Brunswick. Two keys have been developed
- a summer key using tree characteristics common to summer (mostly leaf
features) and a winter key that uses tree characteristics evident in the
winter (mostly twig and bud features). To begin read the directions below
and click on the icon below.
The directions for the tree key are as follows:
On each page a set of two options will be displayed. After determining the correct answer click on the box containing your choice. In the same window two new options will appear and once again you will have to make a choice. Continue this process until your choices lead you to a box with the name of the species. If you wish to view the description and information of that species simply click on the box.
