A branching identification key within taxonomy (the practice and science of categorization or classification), 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

  • Figure 19.5 in [1]
  • Page 8 in.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 Winston, J. 1999. Describing Species. Columbia University Press.
  2. ↑ The Natural History Museum 2000. Sorting creepy-crawlies. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/education/activities/school-activities/discovery-guides/assets/sorting.pdf
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