Dichotomous Keys for Nature IDs

“If you want to hone your identification skills, skip the photo apps and use a dichotomy key. It's basically a choose-your-own-adventure-style methodology invented in the 1700s, with question pairings that ultimately lead to an identification. It works offline in wilderness, does not involve AI, and cues what traits are key to observe. There are oodles in guidebooks and also floating around online, created by scientists working in assorted threatened goverment agencies, conservation groups, and university departments. Pictured: Rachel Carson, tidepooling.”

“Love this!”

“oh this is so delicious to me. @Maddie Weinstein can we get really into this together?”