Takes a look at small creatures containing phosphorus (8)

I believe the answer is:

inspects

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'takes a look at' is the definition.
(inspecting is a kind of taking a look at)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for inspects that I've seen before include "Examines carefully" , "acts as an Observer" , "Looks closely at something" , "Examines, subjects to scrutiny" , "Scrutinises" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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