Collection of specimen

• Specimen


  Living things or parts of living things used for biological study
• Biological studies


  • Always take place in laboratories
  • Laboratories are buildings or rooms designed and equipped for scientific studies
• Collections of living things, especially animals, may not be very easy to obtain
• Knowledge on proper specimen collection and handling is very important
• Apparatus used in specimen collection

  • Sweep net
  • Fish net
  • Filter
  • Bait trap
  • Pitfall trap
  • Pair of forceps
  • Specimen bottles
• Magnifying lens


  • Used to enlarge small objects
  • Hand lens is a common magnifying lens used in the laboratory
  • Magnifying power is indicated on the lens (e.g. x10, x5, x8)
• How to use a magnifying lens

  1. Place object on bench

  2. Fold lens in one hand

  3. Close one eye

  4. Move lens towards object until image comes into clear focus
• Drawing magnification


  Calculated using the formula: Drawing magnification = size of image / size of object
• Precautions during collection and observation of specimens


  • Collect only the number of specimens needed
  • Do not harm specimens during capture
  • Do not destroy natural habitat
  • Handle dangerous/injurious specimens with care (use forceps and gloves)