scholarlab.KS4 Biology
Logic Lab route
LOGIC LAB · MODULE 3

Data and graphs

By the end you can: describe a trend with values, explain it with biology, and say what the data does and does not show.

Starting here

Describe a graph: the trend, then values with units, including where it changes (a peak or a plateau).

Explain a graph: the biology that causes the trend. Do not just describe it again.

Key ideas

  • Trend first, then numbers with units
  • Point out a peak or plateau
  • Explain = the biology, not the shape
  • A link is not always a cause
A line graph. Light intensity from 0 to 60 arbitrary units on the x-axis, bubbles per minute from 0 to 40 on the y-axis. The points are 0, 12, 24, 33, 38, 40 and 40 at intensities 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60. The line rises steeply, then levels off.0102030405060010203040Light intensity (arbitrary units)Bubbles per minuteIllustrative data
Illustrative data. In pondweed, the rate rises steadily, then levels off at 40 bubbles per minute from about 50 units.

Worked example

Describe and explain the graph. (4 marks)

  1. Describe. As light intensity rises from 0 to 40 units, the rate rises from 0 to 38 bubbles per minute.
  2. Describe. Above about 50 units the rate levels off at 40 bubbles per minute.
  3. Explain. At first light is the limiting factor, so more light means faster photosynthesis.
  4. Explain. On the plateau something else limits the rate, such as carbon dioxide concentration or temperature.

Answer: Two describe marks with numbers, two explain marks with biology.

Activities

0 of 4 done

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Now we’ll build those skills by…

…reading tables, calculating a change and writing describe-and-explain answers.

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Check

5 questions. One try each: get 4 right to complete the module.

Opens when you finish the stage above.