In situ
In situ is a Latin phrase meaning "in place" or "on site", derived from in ("in") and situ (ablative of situs, "place"). It denotes an object's existence or a process's occurrence within its original environment. This concept, widely applied across disciplines, enhances analytical accuracy by preserving contextual factors critical to the subject under investigation. In contrast, ex situ methods, which involve relocation, risk altering or disrupting inherent contexts. In situ methodologies are frequently employed in the natural sciences.