"Table" - what is it, definition of the term
The object comprises a flat top supported by a leg framework, intended to hold items, serve as a work surface, or present information; in information systems it denotes a structured grid of rows and columns, each row representing an entity and each column defining an attribute, thereby enabling organized data storage and retrieval.
Detailed information
A tabular arrangement is the most efficient way to organize quantitative and qualitative data on rodents such as rats and mice. Each row corresponds to an individual specimen or a population sample, while columns define specific attributes that enable comparison and analysis.
Typical columns include:
- Species (e.g., Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus)
- Common name
- Average adult weight (g)
- Typical lifespan (months)
- Preferred habitat (urban, laboratory, wild)
- Reproductive rate (litters per year)
- Notable physiological traits (e.g., metabolic rate, disease susceptibility)
Rows may be sorted by any column to reveal patterns, such as increasing body mass or decreasing lifespan. Numerical columns should be stored in consistent units, and categorical data should use standardized terminology to facilitate automated processing.
Metadata accompanying the grid should describe data sources, collection dates, and measurement methods. This ensures reproducibility and allows integration with statistical software. When exporting, formats such as CSV or XLSX preserve column headers and data types, enabling seamless import into analytical pipelines.
Data validation rules—e.g., weight must be positive, lifespan within realistic bounds—prevent entry errors. Conditional formatting can highlight outliers, such as exceptionally high reproductive rates, aiding rapid visual assessment.
Overall, a well-structured matrix provides a clear, searchable repository for rodent research, supporting tasks ranging from comparative biology to epidemiological modeling.