Question

rory is trying to identify a tree from one of its leaves. a question on the dichotomous key that he is using asks whether the leaf has 3 - 5 lobes or more than 5 lobes. rory cannot tell whether the leaf in his hand has 5 or 6 lobes. what should rory do to continue identifying the tree?
look at other leaves from the same tree, and count how many lobes they have.
skip this question, since one question does not make a difference.
start over from the beginning of the dichotomous key.
find a different dichotomous key to use that does not ask this question.

Explanation:

Dichotomous keys rely on consistent traits of the organism. Using multiple leaves from the same tree ensures accurate data, as individual leaves may vary slightly but the tree's typical lobe count will be clear from others. Skipping, restarting unnecessarily, or switching keys is inefficient or incorrect.

Answer:

Look at other leaves from the same tree, and count how many lobes they have.