Bryophytes are a rewarding study group in field biology and the UK bryophyte flora has international
importance to biodiversity conservation. We designed an identification key to common woodland moss
species and compared the usability of two formats, web-based multi-access and printed dichotomous
key, with undergraduate students. The rate of correct species identification and identification speed both
showed an advantage for the printed dichotomous key. Our findings suggest that, even in the digital
age, printed keys remain valuable in biological education and that quality of key design is more
important than presentation medium. We discuss the relative advantages of multi-access and dichotomous
keys and how to approach bryophyte identification with beginners.

• Bryophytes for Beginners: The usability of a printed dichotomous key versus a multi-access computer-based key for bryophyte identification

Share :