Spotlight on Invertebrates:

Invertebrates are good indicators of environmental conditions, and we need to know such conditions in order to manage ourselves and our actions - what is often called environmental management.

Our Biogeography-Fauna Laboratory is located on Level 1 of Maths and Physics, adjoining Geography and Environmental Studies via a walkway. It has several stereo phototube microscopes used for sorting, counting and identifying invertebrates. Sometimes, however, more detailed information may be gained using the electron microscope facility at the Central Science Laboratory of the University (see http://fcms.its.utas.edu.au/csl/csl/). The Molecular Genetics Laboratory in the School of Life Sciences may also be used to gain molecular level taxonomy, of use in recognising the relationship between species (http://fcms.its.utas.edu.au/scieng/plantsci/facilities.asp). Students must ask our School's academic staff before approaching people in these other facilities for assistance.

The Biogeography-Fauna Laboratory also has a collection of literature about invertebrates and a digital imagery facility for staff and student use. An extensive insect collection incorporates a synoptic set of identified Tasmanian species as well as an archive of specimens relating to particular research projects. To read about other infrastructure and equipment in the School return to Facilities page via the left hand menu.