A dichotomous key is a tool that allows the user to
The statements of the leads should not be
determine the identity of items in the natural world,
such as trees, wildflowers, mammals, reptiles, rocks,
and fish in this case plants. Keys consist of a series of
choices that lead the user to the correct name of a
given item. "Dichotomous" means "divided into two
parts". Therefore, dichotomous keys always give two
choices in each step.
Most of the keys in use are based on pairs of
contrasting choices and as such are dichotomous keys.
They were first introduced by J. P. Lamarck in his Flore
Francaise in 1778.
Based on the arrangement of couplets and their leads,
three main types of dichotomous keys are in use: Yoked
or Indented key, Bracketed or parallel key, and Serial or
numbered key.
1. Yoked or Indented key: This is one of the most
commonly used keys in Floras and manuals especially
when the keys are smaller in size. In this type of key, the
statements (leads) and the taxa identified from them
are arranged in visual groups or yokes and additionally
the subordinate couplets are indented below the
primary one at a fixed distance from the margin, the
distance increasing with each subordinate couplet.
2. Bracketed or Parallel key: This type of key has been
used in larger floras such as Flora of USSR, Plants of
Central Asia, and Flora of British Isles. The two leads of a
couplet are always together and the distance from the
margin is always the same. The arrangement of couplets
in this type of key is useful for longer keys as the
location of alternate keys is no problem (two are always
together) and there is no wastage of page space.
3. Serial or numbered key: This key retains the
arrangement of Yoked key, but with no indentation so
that distance from the margin remains the same. The
location of alternate leads is made possible by serial
numbering of couplets and indicating the serial number
of the alternate lead within parentheses.
Guidelines for dichotomous keys
Certain basic considerations are important for the
construction of dichotomous keys.
These include:
1. The keys should be strictly dichotomous, consisting of
couplets with only two possible choices.
2. The two leads of a couplet should be mutually
exclusive, so that the acceptance of one should
automatically lead to the rejection of another.
3.
overlapping.
4. The two leads of a couplet should start with the same
initial word. In our example, both leads of the first
couplet start with ‘Fruit’.
5. The leads of two successive couplets should not start
with the same initial word.
6. Avoid usage of vague statements. Statements such as
‘Flowers large’ vs. ‘Flowers small’ may often be
confusing during actual identification.
8. An initial couplet should be selected in such a way
that it divides the group into more or less equal halves,
and the character is easily available for study. Such a
selection would make the process of exclusion faster,
whichever lead is selected.
9. The leads should be prefixed by numbers or letters.
This makes location of leads easier. If left blank, the
location of leads is very difficult, especially in longer
keys.
Methodology
Research population - A research population is generally
a large collection of individuals or objects that is the
main focus of a scientific query. It is for the benefit of
the population that researches are done. However, due
to the large sizes of populations, researchers often
cannot test every individual in the population because it
is too expensive and time-consuming. This is the reason
why researchers rely on sampling techniques.
A purposive and incidental sampling design was used in
selection of subjects or respondents for the study.
Purposive sampling, is characterized by a deliberate
effort to gain representative samples by including
groups or typical areas in a sample. The researcher
relies on his/her own judgement to select sample group
members.
Incidental sampling, it relies on data collection from
population members who are conveniently available to
participate in study. This sampling method involves
getting participants wherever you can find them and
typically wherever is convenient. No inclusion criteria
identified prior to selection of subjects. All subjects are
invited to participate.
The pre-requisite were that:
Respondents should be a DLSU-D student (10 persons)
or faculty (5 persons)
Survey was conducted by creating survey
questionnaires which would help researchers to achieve
their objectives.
The questionnaire was composed of 9 questions asked
in such a way to bring out the required results needed
by the researchers.
. To ensure a good results, the faculty interviewed were
from different departments, while the students were
from different colleges and section. All the results were
collated and tabulated.
Survey questionnaire
1. What medicinal plants are commonly used by
the family members?
For example Lagundi, oregano, or guava leaves
2. What specific conditions/diseases/ailments are
treated by the said medicinal plants?
Is it for cough, headache, or stomachache
3. Methods of preparation?
Is it decoction, infusion, or tinctures
4. Frequency?
How often do they use it is it once or twice a week or
only when symptoms shows
5. Reasons why they are using medicinal plants
Is it for effectiveness, availability, etc.
6. Are the members also using commercially
prepared herbal medicines or supplements?
For example Lagundi syrups or Malunggay capsules
7. Why?
Is it for effectiveness, availability, etc.
8. Are they using other forms of
traditional/alternative medicines/practices?
Like hilot, acupuncture, tawas, etc.
9. Why?
Is it for health reasons, for tradition, for leisure, etc,