Question

3. When describing new species, taxonomists create dichotomous keys so that they may be positively identified by others in the future. A dichotomous key is a written series of contrasting choices that rely on the distinctive characteristics of different species to choose a correct taxonomic name with a series of steps. Keys that distinguish large groups of species can be hundreds of lines long. Below is a simplified key. Begin with the first step and identify your six mushrooms by name.

1. a) Mushroom cap is red........................................................ Amanita muscaria.
   2. Mushroom cap is not red.............................................................. go to ii.
2. a) Mushroom has gills.................................................................. go to iii.
   2. Mushroom without gills.............................................................. go to iv.
3. a) Cap dissolves when mature.......................................................... Coprinus comatus.
   2. Cap does not dissolve when mature....................................................... Agaricus bisporus.
4. a) Spores rusty-tan...................................................... Battarrea phalloides.
   2. Spores dark brown.............................................................. go to v.
5. a) Spore-containing sac taller than it is wide.......................................................... Podaxis pistillaris.
   2. Spore-containing sac not taller than it is wide..................................................... Agaricus deserticola.

Species	Taxonomic Name
A	Amanita muscaria
B
C
D
E
F

Answer 1