Which item is typically used to transfer liquids in a controlled manner in a laboratory setting?

The item that is typically used to transfer liquids in a controlled manner in a laboratory setting is a dropper or pipette. While the correct answer isn't listed here, the other options help to clarify their typical uses, which may lead to confusion.

Rubber tubing is generally used to facilitate the transfer of gases or connect different pieces of laboratory equipment but is not designed for precise liquid transfers. A Buchner funnel is utilized for filtration processes to separate solids from liquids but does not serve a direct role in transferring liquids themselves. A gas lighter is an instrument used to ignite gases, primarily in a laboratory setup involving a Bunsen burner, and does not pertain to liquid transfer.

Understanding the specific function of each piece of lab equipment is essential to effectively navigate laboratory tasks, and the precise instruments like pipettes or droppers are designed explicitly for controlling the transfer of liquids.