artificial key

Identification key where characters are chosen on the basis of their usefulness, not according to the real relationships between organisms.

Reference

Coad, Brian & D.E. McAllister. 2007. "Dictionary of Ichtyology". Brian W. Coad. Retrieved on June 21, 2014, from:http://www.briancoad.com/Dictionary/Complete%20Dictionary.htm - (ffm06223)