dichotomous key

British  

/ daɪˈkɒtəməs /

noun

1. a key used to identify a plant or animal in which each stage presents descriptions of two distinguishing characters, with a direction to another stage in the key, until the species is identified

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Example Sentences

For people just starting in the world of edible and medicinal plants, Olsson suggested getting a dichotomous key in order to properly identify plants in the wild, as well as consulting the Internet as well as making sure certain types of plants agree with your stomach.

From Washington Times

After I beam the dichotomous key data back, I'll suggest naming you after my Pop.

From Nature

Using a dichotomous key like the ones listed in the "More to explore" section, you can narrow down your specimen to the family, genus or species level!

From Scientific American

Guest speaker David Droppers will share his dichotomous key to the Blues of Washington, and an identification course.

From Seattle Times