Key+use+and+ID

=__** Key Use and ID **__=

**Materials Needed: **
Fish worksheets, ID charts

** Activity Plan: **
1. Review the following parts of the fish:
 * BARBEL--a fleshy projection from the tips or head.
 * FINS
 * ADIPOSE-a small fin on the top mid- line of the body near the tail fin.
 * ANAL-a fin along the lower mid- line of the body near the tail fin.
 * CAUDAL-a tail fin.
 * DORSAL-the fin or fins along the top mid- line of the body.
 * PECTORAL-the paired fins nearest the tail, corresponding to front legs or arms.
 * PELVIC-the paired fins nearest the tail, corresponding to hind legs.
 * SCALES-overlapping outgrowths of the skin.

2. Distribute the fish worksheet and classification chart.

3. Go over how to use a classification chart: Closely examine one of the drawings of a fish shown on the next page. Read both statements listed under number 1 in the classification key. One of these statements should describe the fish you have chosen; the other should not. Refer to the number after the statement that fits your fish and look for that number in the key. Again select the statement that describes the fish you picked. Continue through the key until you come to a name after one statement. This should be the name of the fish you picked. Number your paper 1-18 and place the proper name of the fish next to its corresponding number.

4. Example as a class: Suppose you want to find the name of fish number 2. Look at the classification key. Always start at 1a. Note that each numbered item presents two possibilities. We see that our fish has no scales, or at least we cannot see any. So we choose item 1b. This refers us number 12. So we go down the page to number 12 of the key. Our fish is not elongated or snakelike (item 12b), so we go to #13 of the key. The fish we are classifying has barbels growing from its lips and the top of its head (item 13a), so we go to number 14 of the key. Since our fish has a caudal fin that is rounded, and a blunt bead, we see it is the Bullhead catfish (also known as the horn pout in some parts of the country). Since the pictures are not in color and it’s very difficult to actually see the scales by looking at the picture, choice 1b pertains to the fish numbered: 1, 2, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17. This should make things a little easier to follow.