Definition
noun
A reference tool consisting of three or more characters at each branching point for use in identifying species.
Supplement
Word origin: poly- (many) + New Latin -tomia, from Greek -tomiā, from tomos, a cutting, from temnein, to cut.
Compare: dichotomous key
Dictionary > Polytomous key
You will also like...
The Central Nervous System
Myelin sheath is essential for a faster conductivity of signals. Know more about this feature of some neurons in the Cen..
A Balanced Diet – Minerals and Proteins
Proteins and minerals can be derived from various dietary sources. They are essential for the proper growth and developm..
Birth Control and Contraception
Different pregnancy and birth control and contraception strategies are described. Read this tutorial to learn each of th..
Lotic Communities & Algae
Lotic communities have conditions that are rather harsh for typical plants. Thus, the diversity of plant species in loti..
The Water Cycle
The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..
The Evolutionary Development of Multicellular Organisms
Multicellular organisms evolved. The first ones were likely in the form of sponges. Multicellularity led to the evolutio..