Cato’s concise article summarizes the methods and values of natural history collecting and collections, and offers opinions of creating a more complete record of species collection. As a case in point the article focuses on conservation in Latin America, looking at the theoretical basis for the development of a systematic collection; a systematic collection is compromised of species collected over time and space, offering information on species variation relative to the date and location collected, combined with the information generated from the way in which the species are preserved. Although there have been several species collections, Cato argues that it is not as thorough as the sampling theory predicts. Sampling methods have historically been used to fulfill the needs of individual research projects; historically the scientific approach was to sample as many species as possible in a region filled with a high number of unknown species, but systematic surveys were downscaled to cover small portions of the region. Considerations that affect the limitations in sampling methodology include climate, university time schedules, time limits on project funding, or economic or military considerations versus a scientific systematic collection plan. Quite often the needs of individual research projects as well as practical considerations are what determine the method of specimen preparation and data records. Cato describes how different methods provide different information, thus leaving gaps in the collection. Cato suggests that researchers and collectors recognize the need to cooperate in order to maximize the completeness and value of samples stored in the collection; this cooperation can also alleviate costs. The benefits of creating a more complete collection also leads to higher accuracy in determining potentially threatened species, and monitoring the change of ecosystems over time.