This document discusses different types of taxonomic keys that can be used to identify biological entities like plants, animals, and microorganisms. Taxonomic keys present the user with a series of choices about characteristics that ultimately lead to the identification of an unknown specimen. The main types discussed are indented keys, simple bracket keys, simple non-bracket keys, pictorial keys, box-type keys, circular keys, and branching keys. Each key type has advantages and disadvantages depending on the group being identified and whether it will be used by specialists or non-specialists like field workers.

1. Taxonomic Keys
M.Raj
Associate Professor
Darrang College
Tezpur, Assam

2. Identification Key
Printed or Computer-aided device
that aids the identification of biological entities
plants animals fossils microorganisms pollen grains
Keys are constructed so that the user is presented with a series of
choices about the characteristics of the unknown organisms
By making the correct choice at each step of the key, the user is
ultimately led to the identity of a specimen
While using a key at each step, the user must answer a question
about one or more features (characters) of the entity to be
identified.
If each step has only two alternatives, the key is said to be
dichotomous (also called "sequential key", "analytical key", or "pathway
key"), else it is polytomous.

3. Why are identification keys necessary?
A key is essentially a printed information-retrieval system
into which one puts information regarding a specimen in hand and
from which one gets an identification of the specimen to whatever
level the key is designed to reach.
In the absence of originally identified specimens of the
species utilized for comparisons, the published description
becomes the only tool. In larger groups however it is the most
tedious task to compare specimens with hundreds of thousands of
published descriptions.
The task can be solved if the keys to the main group are
made available. The main purpose of the key is thus to facilitate
identification or to distinguish one type of organism or object
from another.
A key may or may not reflect ideas of evolutionary or phylogenetic
relationship. The construction of the keys is an important job of the
systematist.

4. Method of Using a Taxonomic Key
It is necessary to read any introductory comments concerning the format of
the key, abbreviations, and so forth, before using the key.
One should always read both choices presented at each step of the key.
Use a glossary to find the definition of any terms you do not understand.
Use a ruler when measurements are required; do not guess.
Because living organisms are always somewhat variable, one should not
make a decision based on a single specimen; instead, it is much safer to
arrive at a conclusion by examining several different specimens.

5. TypesofTaxonomicKeys Indented Key
To indent means to begin a line or lines at a greater or less distance from the
margin. The indented key then is one having an uneven, irregular border.
The couplets in this key are indented from the left hand margin of the page, in
such a way as to show their importance. Thus,
the two or more members of the primary couplets are near the left hand
margin,
the secondary couplet is indented after leaving four or five spaces,
the tertiary with equal number of spaces beyond the secondary and so on, to
the end of the key.
Advantage: This type of key is advantageous in the sense that the relationship of
various divisions is quite apparent to the eye and can be used in reverse also. It serves
good purpose for keys to higher taxa or comparative keys.
Disadvantage: When the key is short, it works alright. But in long keys, the
alternatives get widely separated and take more space. Moreover this can lead to
much white space in print, and consequently little remaining room for lead text
and illustrations.

6. TypesofTaxonomicKeys Simple Non-bracket key
The couplets are composed of alternatives for ready comparison.
The specimens to be identified are run through this key forward.
It can be used from backwards but gives slight inconvenience in tracing the
backward run of the characters to be compared

7. TypesofTaxonomicKeys Simple Bracket key
It is similar to the simple non bracket key with the difference that the
numbers of the couplets showing the situation in the key are shown in
parentheses after the main numbers.
This is the best key in fulfilling its diagnostic purpose and is a commonly
used key by the present day taxonomists.
Advantage: When properly constructed one can quickly and easily run
through this key both forward and backward. It is also more economical in
terms of space because it is un-indented.
Disadvantage: The main disadvantage in both simple bracket and simple
non bracket key types is that the relationship of the divisions is not apparent to
the eye like indented key.

8. TypesofTaxonomicKeys Pictorial key
Pictorial keys are of practical significance. It is especially meant for field
workers and non-taxonomists that can identify the commonly occurring
species with the help of characters together with their figures in a comparative
manner. There are several such keys for various groups of animals.
Box type key
Like the branching and circular keys, the box-type key is also meant for field
workers and quite useful for quick identification of most species

9. TypesofTaxonomicKeys Circular type key
This key is also meant for small group. It is also quite useful for the non-
specialists, especially field workers who want quick and and immediate
identification of commonly occurring important species.

10. TypesofTaxonomicKeys Branching type key
Such keys are also meant for easy and quick separation of the species as far
as the group is small. It is quite useful for field workers.