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:

To identify the tree, Rory needs accurate data on leaf lobes. Skipping (invalid, as the question is important), restarting (unnecessary), or changing the key (not practical) are wrong. Looking at other leaves from the same tree gives more samples to determine the correct lobe count, which is a valid scientific approach in biology (leaf identification).

Answer:

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