The work in this lab is typically the first step in monitoring biodiversity.
Samples arrive in the lab as fresh from the environment as possible--ideally still alive.
They are distributed to taxonomic experts for identification of species and developmental stage based on their morphology and behavior.
The lab has a large complement of microscopes and supporting equipment for that purpose.
The process is as follows:
A provisional identification of the species by a taxonomist.
One or more high quality images of the sample taken.
If appropriate a voucher specimen collected that will be sent to a partner museum.
A tissue sample, typically preserved in ethanol, that can be transfered to a genomics lab for analysis. Samples for DNA-barcoding are sent to BOLD Systems, along with images and other taxonomic details. Other samples may be processed in the Hakai Genomics Lab.
A specialized application is isolation of single-celled eukaryotes for transcriptomic analysis in the Hakai Genomics Lab.
Equipment
Dissecting Microscopes
Zeiss Stemi 305 (x2). General purpose.
Zeiss Stemi 508 (x5). Main dissecting scope in the lab; higher quality than the 305. All five scopes are camera capable; two are trinocular (can be used as a regular microscope while the camera is running); the other three have a toggle that closes one eyepiece in order to take photos with the camera.
Lower quality ‘teaching’ scopes (x5). Useful for preliminary characterization if the lab is very busy, e.g. during BioBlitzes.
Compound Microscopes
Zeiss AxioScope A1 (x1). The most capable and versatile compound scope in the lab. This scope has objectives and prisms for DIC microscopy for all magnifications and is camera capable. Very good for taking photos of small transparent things.
Leica DM 2500 (x1). This is a good compound scope. It is not quite as well equipped as the Axioscope in terms of DIC and objectives, but is camera capable and well suited for many applications.
Leica DMIL LED Inverted microscope (x1). Good camera-capable inverted scope. Has fluorescence capability. Inverted configuration suitable for selecting live specimens for single-cell transcriptomics
Dedicated Microscope Cameras
Zeiss Axiocam 503 (x1). Low resolution (3 megapixel) camera for use with Zeiss microscopes for basic photography.
Zeiss Axiocam 512 (x1). High resolution (12 megapixel) camera for use with Zeiss microscopes.
Leica MH170 HD (x2). Medium resolution (5 megapixel) cameras for use with Leica microscopes.
Digital Cameras
Sony A7R4 (x4). Very high resolution (61 megapixel) camera. High quality and versatile. Used for macro photography of bioblitz specimens. Can also be used with microscopes.
Sony A6000 (x1). High resolution (24.3 megapixel) camera. Lower quality than the A7R4 but well suited to many applications.
Sony A7S3 (x1). Moderate resolution (12 megapixel) camera used for used for shooting video, especially in low light.
Camera Attachments and Adapters
We have a wide range of adapters that marry our microscopes to our cameras.
