Mammals of Tanzania

Mammals of Tanzania | Skin Key

Skin Key Instructions

The general strategy of a key is to, through a series of choices, narrow down the possibilities until you arrive at the correct identity of the specimen.

START WITH "GENERAL" (unless you know what type of mammal you are examining).

The user is presented with two illustrated descriptions about certain attributes of the specimen and must choose which description best matches the mammal skin or skull in question. Each pair of descriptions is designed to be "either-or". That is, it should be impossible for a given specimen to match both descriptions...it is either one or the other. For example:

1A) There are teeth in the skull.

1B) There are no teeth in the skull.

WHEN MAKING A SELECTION, YOU CAN EITHER CLICK ON THE IMAGE OR THE SELECT BUTTON.

Selecting which of the two choices best describes the specimen in hand will automatically take you to the next series of choices. The choices you make will ultimately lead you to a particular genus of mammal, which should be the correct identification of the specimen you are working with, if a) the key is properly constructed and b) you used it carefully.

When using the keys remember the following points:

1) The illustrations shown are for reference when referring to particular features. At times, the specimen you are trying to identify will not exactly match that of the specimens shown in the illustrations. Your specimen may have a different size or shape, and may have other features that do not match the illustration. This does not mean that you are making the wrong choice by choosing that option. Focus only on the aspect of the specimen to which the particular description refers. So, if the skull you are identifying has teeth, choose "1A) There are teeth in the skull", even if the teeth in your specimen look nothing like the teeth shown in the illustration.

2) Be mindful of the exact characteristics to which the key refers. Remember that a description in the key might list several criteria. Your specimen must match ALL criteria listed, so if only one of several criteria are not met, you should answer NO to that description.
For example:

1A)
A) Body without hair
B) Ears long and pointed
C) Snout elongate
D) Nails on feet are spade shaped

If ANY one of the four statements in the above description does not accurately describe the mammal in question you should not choose this option (even if all the other statements do accurately describe the specimen).

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