For a description of the abilities, read this post
The collection calculations is based on each individual design and not on the crew you have onboard. For instance, if you have 6 critters (need 3 base), and 2 are squids, you only get 3%.
That is 3 count for the base, and you got 2 additional types, so it is 1% + 2 * 1% = 3%