Significance of Specimen Collection

A world-renowned research institution in the USA.

A collection of Australian wildlife specimens.

A museum located in New York, focusing on the state's natural and cultural history.

A university in El Paso, Texas, USA.

A zoology museum in Quito, Ecuador.

The process of gathering and preserving biological samples for scientific study.

Science in the present time, often using advanced techniques and technologies.

Crucial and necessary for the advancement of a particular scientific field.

A part or piece of a living organism, used for analysis and study.

The systematic investigation of a phenomenon to gain knowledge and understanding.

Keeping samples in a way that maintains their integrity for later analysis.

Sophisticated or modern methods used in scientific research.

Several scientists, typically with different specializations, contribute to a particular study.

Species that are difficult to distinguish from other species based on appearance alone.

Preserved specimens of organisms used for scientific research and documentation.

Voucher specimens provide the physical evidence needed to confirm the existence of new species through anatomical analyses, which are often essential for identifying small and diverse species.

Many species, especially small arthropods, cannot be readily identified or studied without collecting the whole organism.

Voucher specimens allow for accurate species identification, providing a basis for conservation efforts and understanding the threats faced by specific species.

Voucher specimens from different geographic locations, time periods, or life stages provide data on variation within a species, shedding light on evolutionary trends.

The impact of DDT on bird eggshells, documented through the study of voucher specimens, led to the ban of DDT, showcasing the crucial role of voucher specimens in environmental protection.

An international organization that assesses the conservation status of species, providing a framework for conservation efforts.

A collection of pressed and dried plant specimens for study and research. It's like a library for plants, but instead of books, it has preserved specimens.

A preserved sample of a plant, animal, or other organism, used for scientific study and reference. It's like a snapshot of a living thing.

A device used to flatten and dry plant specimens for preservation in a herbarium. It's like a sandwich press but for plants.

Unique and internationally recognized names for plants and animals, based on a standardized system. It's like a unique ID for each species.

The geographical spread of a species, showing where it naturally occurs. Think of it as the map of a species' home range.

Comprehensive repositories of preserved specimens, like plants, animals, and fossils, used for research, education, and conservation.

They provide valuable data for studying biodiversity, evolution, climate change, and conservation efforts.

Maintaining and expanding collections face threats like funding limitations, space constraints, and changing research priorities.

Collecting birds can impact populations if done unsustainably, but it can also contribute to crucial scientific research.

The rate at which new specimens are added to collections is decreasing, potentially hindering future generations of researchers.

The study of species distribution across geographic regions (biogeography) and their evolutionary relationships (phylogeny) is aided by biological collections.

Changes in eggshell thickness of birds can indicate the presence of harmful environmental pollutants.

The decline of many amphibian species has been linked to a fungal disease, highlighting the importance of collections in conservation and disease research.

The geographical place where a specimen was collected.

The geographical area over which a species is found.

Differences in size, color, or other characteristics among individuals of the same species.

Animals or plants that are preserved for scientific study.

Groups of animals that often have unique features like scales, skin, or the ability to change temperature.

Animals that have fur, give birth to live young, and nurse their offspring.