What is a specimen?

The term "specimen" refers specifically to a sample that is taken for analysis, often in a medical or scientific context. This could involve a bit of tissue or fluid obtained to diagnose a medical condition or to study biological properties.

In contrast, a collection of essays pertains to written works, which does not align with the definition of a specimen. Statistical analysis relates to the examination and interpretation of numerical data, again differing from what a specimen represents. Lastly, a fictional character is a creation within literature or storytelling and does not fit the scientific or medical purposes associated with the term "specimen." Thus, option C accurately captures the essence of what a specimen is.