Neco 2022 Biology Question 35

A botanist needs to separate the following five organisms using a dichotomous key: (1) Rose - woody shrub, alternate leaves, five‑petalled flowers, fruit is a hip; (2) Sunflower - herbaceous, opposite leaves, composite flower head, fruit is an achene; (3) Oak - tree, lobed leaves, fruit is an acorn; (4) Fern - non‑flowering, fronds, reproduces via spores; (5) Mushroom - fruiting body with gills, reproduces via spores, lacks chlorophyll. (a) Provide a correct dichotomous key that distinguishes these five organisms. (b) Using your key, identify the kingdom of a sixth organism described as having a filamentous thallus, reproducing via spores, and lacking chlorophyll.