This form allows users to group specimens by species and weigh them together. It is a quick and efficient method of determining the overall proportions of various species at the context level.
Context
This field is automatically transferred from the
context form, and cannot be altered by the user.
Sample
The sample fields allow the user to divide the context up by sample numbers, if desired. They can also be left blank.
Species
The species fields consist of a series of drop down boxes, listing all species in the system. Users can select one, then record the weight for all specimens of that species in that context or sample.
Weight
The weight of all specimens of the chosen species is then recorded to the nearest 0.01g if possible.
As one row is completed, the user can advance to the next. The system will always provide an additional blank row, and depending on the number of species recorded, the scroll bar may have to be used to view all records.
Users have the option to remove records that are incorrect by clicking within the row they wish to delete, and then pushing the Delete Record button. (The 'escape' key can also be used to delete the final recorded row.)
Although the data collected in this form can be viewed using the weight viewing form, such data lends itself to being analysed using Microsoft Excel or a similar spreadsheet or statistical program. This can be done by opening the *WeightByContext* table (see the Navigation and Structure page for instructions), then selecting Tools | Office Links | Analyze It with MS Excel.