Branching identification key
 | This article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject. (October 2009) |
A branching identification key is a presentation form of a single-access key where the structure of the decision tree is displayed graphically as a branching structure, involving lines between items.[1] Depending on the number of branches at a single point, a branching key may be dichotomous or polytomous.
In a diagnostic key, the branching structure of the key should not be mistaken for a phylogenetic or cladistic branching pattern.
All single-access keys form a decision tree (or graph if reticulation exists), and thus all such keys have a branching structure. "Branching key" may therefore occasionally be used as a synonym for single-access key.
Examples of branching presentations
- http://www.warwickshire-sss.org.uk/subject/science/Biological_keys_v2.htm
- Figure 19.5 in [1]
- Page 8 in.[2]
References
- ^ a b Winston, J. 1999. Describing Species. Columbia University Press.
- ^ The Natural History Museum 2000. Sorting creepy-crawlies. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/education/activities/school-activities/discovery-guides/assets/sorting.pdf