Sorting and Identification

Our sorting procedure involves examining the sediment under a dissecting scope and removing all the invertebrates for identification. Small portions are placed in a glass sorting dish that is marked off in sections. The process of examining the portions continues until the entire sample or sub-sample has been sorted. We have found that sorting only a fraction of the sample causes the loss of valuable information. Each sample is sorted into major phylogenetic categories.

Biologica's taxonomic specialists identify the organisms from each sample. Each of the major groups is reviewed by the appointed taxonomist. Organisms are identified using whatever techniques are required to confirm the identification to genus and species. Organisms may be dissected, stained to outline anatomical portions or viewed under oil immersion. Biologica's technical library contains marine and fresh water invertebrate taxonomic reference materials and supplementary papers on techniques. We strive to acquire current material in invertebrate taxonomic studies. Our staff maintain contacts with other taxonomists and are members of professional associations of marine invertebrate taxonomists.

Reference Collections

We provide a reference collection and an archived organism collection. Both are museum quality to tolerate long term storage. The reference collection is a record of the identifications to genus and species made by the participating taxonomists. Reference collections are compiled to facilitate verifications from year to year.

Biomass

Biologica can provide both wet and dry biomass determinations by phylum, class, species or size fraction. We use an electronic balance that measures to 0.1 mg.

Data Presentation

Data provided by Biologica is arranged in phylogenetic order and separated by life cycle stages. The data includes verified identifications which are confirmed ecologically when possible, and a summary of total number of organisms and number of organisms per square or cubic metre. We can also provide some statistical analyses of the data.

Quality Control

Quality control procedures ensure the accuracy of the data we provide. Our laboratory sorting and data entry practices both include a three-step cross-checking procedure. Each sample is rechecked microscopically by the laboratory supervisor to ensure that sorting has been completed accurately. Sorting accuracy is determined and, if necessary, samples are re-sorted. Biologica's sorting efficiency is regularly greater than 98%.

Field Work and Collections

Biologica can arrange and execute field surveys or collections as required. We have sampling equipment and access to suitable vessels from rowboats to fishing boats.

We provide the equipment and personnel to sieve, label and preserve samples in the field. The sample-washing stands designed by Biologica are portable, allow excellent visibility of the sample, and minimize damage to the sampled invertebrates. Our taxonomists have noted that the use of this equipment in the field increases their ability to identify organisms in the laboratory. We have also found that having a taxonomist overseeing work in the field improves the quality and number of organisms retrieved. Biologica's presence in the field will lead to high quality results.

Biologica also makes field collections of live specimens for toxicity and developmental studies.

Photographs

Biologica can provide photographs of specimens as viewed under the dissecting microscope (up to 100× magnification). We also can provide digital images using our digital camera and compound microscope (up to 400× magnification). Clients have used these photographs to enhance reports and presentations. We can scan images and deliver them electronically if desired.