Description
Calculate netPreservedMass=preservedMass-containerTare, observedRetention=netPreservedMass/freshMass, and retentionGap=observedRetention-referenceRetention.
Specimen measurements and animal observations depend on a defined body part, reference value, unit, and observation window. A mass fraction, size ratio, or timing share summarizes those inputs. The counting and measurement conventions must stay explicit when comparing specimens or records.
Calculate netPreservedMass=preservedMass-containerTare, observedRetention=netPreservedMass/freshMass, and retentionGap=observedRetention-referenceRetention.
When to use this tool
Use Zoological Specimen Preservation Weight Gap when you need to compare supplied specimen measurements or observation records under an explicit reference and denominator.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter freshMass, preservedMass, containerTare, referenceRetention. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read netPreservedMass, observedRetention, retentionGap. Use the output convention below.
Calculate netPreservedMass=preservedMass-containerTare, observedRetention=netPreservedMass/freshMass, and retentionGap=observedRetention-referenceRetention. Require positive freshMass, nonnegative tare and reference retention, and preservedMass at least the tare.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| freshMass | Fresh Mass | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| preservedMass | Preserved Mass | Required. Finite number. |
| containerTare | Container Tare | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| referenceRetention | Supplied nonnegative preserved-to-fresh mass ratio; values above one are permitted. | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| netPreservedMass | Net Preserved Mass | Required. Finite number. |
| observedRetention | Observed Retention | Required. Finite number. |
| retentionGap | Observed retention fraction minus the supplied reference fraction. | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"freshMass": 100,
"preservedMass": 85,
"containerTare": 5,
"referenceRetention": 0.75
},
"output": {
"netPreservedMass": 80,
"observedRetention": 0.8,
"retentionGap": 0.050000000000000044
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Use one mass unit throughout. Retention can exceed one, and the reference is supplied rather than estimated from species, preservative, storage duration, or specimen condition.
- The field tables state structural bounds; the mechanics also specify cross-field constraints. Malformed inputs and unsupported domains cause errors. A successful false flag, empty branch value, or zero placeholder has the meaning stated above and is distinct from an input error.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Signed zero is exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use compatible measurements and observation records to verify the chosen denominator and reference before interpreting a specimen comparison.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Animal Specimen Fresh Dry Mass Factor
Calculate waterFraction=(freshMass-dryMass)/freshMass, dryMatterFraction=dryMass/freshMass, and ashFreeDryMass=dryMass-ashMass.
- Specimen Body Part Count Gap
Compare explicit observation counts with a supplied specimen record expectation.