The key difference between cladogram and dichotomous key is that cladogram is used to study the phylogenetic relationships among a group of organisms while a dichotomous key is used to classify and identify new species.
Classification is an important field in identifying and distinguishing organisms. Scientists discover new species through their experiments. Hence, it is necessary to identify a new species based on their characteristics and phylogeny. They use different methods. Cladogram and dichotomous keys are two types of tools that can be used to identify organisms. A cladogram shows the relationship between different organisms with respect to a common ancestor. In contrast, a dichotomous key has a series of statements consisting of two choices that describe characteristics of an unidentified organism. It is a step by step key which leads to the correct identification of an unknown organism.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Cladogram
3. What is a Dichotomous Key
4. Similarities Between Cladogram and Dichotomous Key
5. Side by Side Comparison – Cladogram vs Dichotomous Key in Tabular Form
6. Summary
