Question:
A student of taxonomy was puzzled when told by his professor to look for a key to identify a plant. He went to his friend to clarify what ‘Key’ the professor was referring to? What would the friend explain to him?
Solution:
A key is used to identify plants and animals based on their similarities and dissimilarities. The keys made are based on the contrasting characters that are depicted by the
organisms, these are known as couplets. Each statement in the key is called the lead.