Taxonomy of Finfish

1.2.12 Generic level identification

The purpose of a key is to facilitate identification of a taxon. This goal is achieved by presenting appropriate diagnostic characters in a series of alternative choices. Keys form a good tool for taxonomic analysis. In the preparation of keys, a taxonomist should select and evaluate the diagnostic taxonomic characters. In this sense, keys are an integral part of taxonomic procedure as well as means of presenting findings. A good key should be dichotomous and should not offer more than two alternatives at any point. The alternative should be clear cut and precise. The style of the key should be like telegraphic code similar to taxonomic description of finfish species. The phrases should be separated by semicolons. While preparing the key, the primary contrasting characters of each couplet should be diagnostic and definitive. Supporting supplemental characters should also be added.

Generally, two types of keys are used in taxonomy. They are:

i) Indented key and ii) Bracket key.