High School

**Dichotomous Keys and Natural Selection (7.11A & C):**

**Question 1**

A labeled illustration of a shark is provided, along with a dichotomous key. Using the dichotomous key, what shark is shown?

Answer :

A dichotomous key helps in identifying organisms by answering a series of questions with two possible answers. Using the key, follow each step and make choices based on the shark's characteristics to identify it correctly.

A dichotomous key is a tool that allows identification of organisms by answering a series of questions, each with two possible answers. By following the steps in the key, you can narrow down the choices until you reach the correct identification. To determine what shark is shown in the illustration, you would start at the first question of the dichotomous key and proceed through each step, choosing the option that matches the characteristics of the shark in the illustration.

For example:

Question 1: Does the shark have a prominent dorsal fin? If yes, go to step 2. If no, go to step 3.

Question 2: Is the body shape torpedo-like? If yes, it might be a Great White Shark. If no, go to the next question.

Question 3: Does the shark have a flat body? If yes, it might be a Hammerhead Shark. If no, go to the next step.

By following these steps and carefully comparing the options with the illustration, you can identify the correct species of shark.

Long answer:According to the dichotomous key, the shark shown is a "Tiger shark".Dichotomous keys are used to classify and identify organisms based on their characteristics.

These characteristics are divided into two branches in the dichotomous key, with one characteristic distinguishing them from the other in each branch. Organisms are identified by following the key's branches until a unique species is reached.Natural selection is the process in which organisms that are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring. This is how species evolve over time and become better suited to their environment.Explanation:Dichotomous keys are designed for a step-by-step approach in identification of organisms.

The first step is to look for features that allow for easy grouping of specimens into smaller groups. This is done by sorting the organism into one of two categories based on its characteristics, using the dichotomous key. The process is repeated until the organism has been uniquely identified.Natural selection is one of the most important concepts in evolutionary biology. Natural selection is the process by which nature selects the organisms that are best adapted to their environment and allows them to survive and reproduce. It is this process that leads to the evolution of new species over time. The characteristics of an organism that make it better adapted to its environment are known as advantageous traits.

To know more about evolution visit:-

https://brainly.com/question/31440734

#SPJ11