Question

Couplet in taxonomic key means?

Answer 1

A taxonomic key is an easy and simple tool used to identify and differentiate a specific object. It is one of the most useful tools accessible to scientists trying to recognize an unknown organism. Systematists depend on keys to help spot known organisms and determine whether they have discovered a new organism completely.

Complete answer:
Taxonomic keys are helpful tools that lead the researchers towards the known name of an organism. However, all taxonomic keys are not created uniformly. They are frequently made on a regional level or for a specific group of organisms i.e., Plants of the Great Lakes Region, Argentinean Monocots etc. So, it is essential to pick a key that represents the heterogeneity of the region or group of organisms one is interested in examining. Dichotomous keys permit the user to recognize the identity of items using a series of alternative choices. Dichotomous keys always give two, mutually absolute choices in parallel statements. The pair of statements is known as a couplet and each half of a couplet is called a lead. At each couplet of a dichotomous key the user is given with two choices about a particular character present in the group of organisms, a particular character state is described for each lead. Sometimes the characters are quantitative i.e., measurements and sometimes the characters are qualitative e.g., texture. As the user makes a choice about a specific characteristic of an organism he or she is guided to a new branch or couplet of the key. Each couplet provides characteristics that become gradually more specific until the final step is reached and identification is made. Followed correctly, keys will lead you to the correct name of an unknown organism or object. Dichotomous keys can be developed to identify almost anything in any kind of classification.

Note:
Polyclave keys are tools used to help recognize unknown objects or species. The keys are made using interactive computer programs. Polyclave keys use a process of elimination.