A dog has pointy ears with tufts of hair on them. The dog’s ears point downward. What kind of dog is it? Dichotomous Key 1. Has pointed ears Has rounded ears 2. Has no tail Has tail 3. Ears point upward Ears point downward 4. Engages in waving behavior Has hairy tufts on ears 5. Engages in waving behavior Does not engage in waving behavior 6. Has hair on head Has no hair on head (may have ear tufts) 7. Has a tail Has no tail, aggressive go to 3 go to 2 Kentuckyus Dakotus go to 5 go to 4 Dallus Califomius WalaWala go to 6 Beverlus go to 7 Yorkio Rajus Yorkio Californus Dallus Kentuckus
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the provided dichotomous key, the correct identification for the dog is:
Beverlus
Explanation:
To identify the dog using the dichotomous key, we begin with the first distinguishing characteristic:
- Has pointed ears → Go to 2
The dog has pointed ears, so we move to step 2. - Has tail → Go to 3
There is no indication that the dog lacks a tail, so we assume it has one and go to step 3. - Ears point downward → Go to 4
The dog’s ears point downward, so we proceed to step 4. - Has hairy tufts on ears → Go to 6
The dog has tufts of hair on its ears, so we go to step 6. - Has no hair on head (may have ear tufts) → Beverlus
While the dog has ear tufts, there is no mention of hair on the head, implying it lacks head hair but still has tufts. Therefore, the correct choice is Beverlus.
Textbook-Style Explanation
To determine the type of dog based on physical characteristics, we utilize a dichotomous key—a structured decision-making tool that presents a series of choices leading to the correct identification. In this scenario, the subject is a dog with pointy ears and tufts of hair on the ears, and importantly, the ears point downward.
We start at step 1, which asks whether the ears are pointed or rounded. Since the dog’s ears are pointed, we follow the pathway to step 2. Step 2 asks whether the dog has a tail. The absence of information about tail loss or abnormalities suggests a normal tail is present, so we continue to step 3.
At step 3, we are asked about the direction of the ears. Since the dog’s ears point downward, we proceed to step 4. Step 4 gives us a choice between engaging in waving behavior or having hairy tufts on ears. Our dog has ear tufts, so we go to step 6.
Step 6 differentiates between dogs with hair on the head and those without, although dogs lacking head hair may still have ear tufts. Given that only ear tufts are mentioned, it’s logical to infer the dog lacks other head hair, leading us to the final classification: Beverlus.
This identification is supported by each binary deci
