OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What does an identification key assist with?

1. Classifying organisms based on their habitat

2. Figuring out the species of a plant or animal

3. Grouping organisms by their diet

4. Identifying soil types in a given area

The correct answer is: Figuring out the species of a plant or animal

An identification key is a tool that helps individuals determine the species of a particular plant or animal by guiding them through a series of questions or characteristics. This systematic approach allows users to observe specific traits, such as color, size, and other distinguishing features, leading to the correct identification of the organism in question. While classification based on habitat, grouping according to diet, and identifying soil types are important aspects of biological study, an identification key specifically focuses on the identification of species itself, making it essential for taxonomy and fieldwork in biology. By using an identification key, one can narrow down options systematically, ultimately arriving at the correct species.