Marlo,
  Given the best possible data I would like to see the following
1) Location, as specific as possible.  With GPS devices this is getting
easier otherwise good co-ordinates that can be found on an easily
obtainable map...in the USA a geological survey map
 
2) Depth or altitude where collected
 
3) Ecological data.  Sandy beach, coral reef, muddy or sandy stream, fast
moving or slow moving stream, in grass, on tree, etc. You get the idea.
 
4)  Was it collected live or dead.  If dead, were there live ones nearby.
 
5) Who collected it.
 
6) When was it collected.
 
7) How was it collected...scuba, dredge, brail hooks, picking through
muscrat middens, picking through washed up seaweed, etc.
 
8) Number of specimens in the collected lot.
 
9) If fossil material, the stratigraphic level where it was
collected...member, formation.
 
10) Any other information that the collector feels is important enough to
include.
 
Charlie
******************************************************************************
Charlie Sturm, Jr
Research Associate - Section of Invertebrate Zoology
                     Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Assistant Professor - Family Medicine
 
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