BioGraph Essentials Worksheet
BioGraph: Making Line & Bar Graphs
NYSSLS Life Science: Biology • SEP 4: Analyzing & Interpreting Data
Name: Date: Pd:
Line Graph: Continuous Data
Data points connect across a range (time, temp, pH). Shows trends & rates.
Bar Graph: Categorical Data
Compares separate, distinct groups or species. Bars do NOT touch!
T-A-I-L-S Success Checklist
Title • Axes (IV=X, DV=Y) • Interval (equal spacing) • Labels + Units • Scale (≥50% grid)
Task 1: Make a Line Graph Continuous Data
Scenario: Biologists recorded how Adirondack stream water temperature affects dissolved oxygen ($O_2$) needed for trout survival.
Independent Var (X-axis):
Dependent Var (Y-axis):
| Water Temp (°C) | Dissolved O2 (mg/L) |
|---|
| 5 | 13.0 |
| 10 | 11.5 |
| 15 | 10.0 |
| 20 | 9.0 |
| 25 | 8.0 |
Title:
0 Y: Dissolved O₂ (mg/L) X: Water Temperature (°C) (Plot points and connect with a straight line)
Analysis:
As water temperature increases, dissolved $O_2$ .
Why a line graph? Water temp is (continuous / categorical).
Task 2: Make a Bar Graph Categorical Data
Scenario: Marine physiologists compared the average resting heart rates (beats/min) of four different marine mammal species.
Independent Var (X-axis):
Dependent Var (Y-axis):
| Mammal Species | Heart Rate (bpm) |
|---|
| Orca | 30 |
| Harbor Seal | 60 |
| Sea Lion | 80 |
| Sea Otter | 140 |
| Notice: Species are discrete separate categories! | |
Title:
0 40 80 120 160 Orca Seal Sea Lion Otter Y: Heart Rate (bpm) X: Marine Mammal Species (Draw 4 separate bars — leave spaces between bars!)
Analysis:
Which species has the highest heart rate? .
Why a bar graph? Species are (continuous / categorical).
Key Rule: Continuous numerical variables get lines; distinct non-numerical groups get separate bars. NY Life Science: Biology • SEP 4
