What should be done after applying ink to a gross specimen?

After applying ink to a gross specimen, bloting off excess ink is the appropriate step. This is important because the excess ink can interfere with subsequent processes, such as fixing, sectioning, and staining. Excess ink might not only obscure important details of the specimen but could also lead to inconsistent or inaccurate results in later examinations.

Blotting helps ensure that only the required amount of ink remains on the specimen, which aids in marking areas of interest without overwhelming the tissue with ink. Properly managing the application of ink enhances the accuracy of further analyses.

The other options are not suitable because immediately placing the specimen into fixation solution without removing excess ink could lead to uneven fixation and poor visual representation of the specimen's anatomy. Heating the specimen could also damage the tissue or alter its structure, potentially leading to misinterpretation. Storing the specimen in a dark place is not necessary specifically after applying ink, as it doesn't directly relate to the integrity or quality of the ink markings made on the specimen.