Before you start: Make sure you have completed your individual data collection

. NOTE: You will need to refer to all of the data you entered in the Data Collection Handout from the Individual Data Collection Methods page to complete the steps below. Use the Benchmark #1: Individual Representations Template found in the green Callout Box at the bottom of this page to insert your work as listed below and save as a PDF for uploading into your lab Moodle site.

1. Using the data you entered in your data tables for each tree you sampled (Table 4.1-1. Calculations of approximate leaf surface area of the data collection sheet), make a basic bar graph to represent overall percent leaf damage for each tree species in one graph. Be sure to use the best practices for graphing. For example, label all axes, provide units, include a title, a figure label, etc.
   • (Refer to Understanding and Representing Data to help you, and see the LabWrite Data Representation Resources to see examples of various types of graphs.
2. Now that you have created a basic graph for your two trees, you are ready to take it to the next level. Examine all of your data, both qualitative (your observations of the trees, species, environment, pictures, descriptions, etc.) and quantitative data (Table 4.1-1) to find other ways to represent your data in a graph(s). Look at patterns, comparisons, etc. For example, you may want to look at particular types of herbivory observed, any differences in location of the tree, fungal vs. herbivory damage, etc.
   • Best Practices for Graphs:
     • Include a descriptive title:
       • For graphs, the title goes at the top. Alternatively, you may skip the title and instead add a caption at the bottom of the graph following the graph label. For example, Figure 1. Comparison of fungal incidence in native vs. non-native trees on North Carolina.
     • Label the axes of your graph(s) (include units of measure as appropriate).
     • Include a descriptive legend.
     • Be sure to number your Figure(s) for easy reference, e.g., Figure 1, 2; etc. (Note that all photos and images are also considered figures.)
3. Describe and Discuss
   • Write a paragraph to describe your findings and refer to your graphs/tables using best practices. For example, if you are describing a finding, you may want to tell the reader to see Figure 1, or see Table 1; or write (Figure 1), (Table 1) after your description. If you were writing a lab report, or scientific paper, this paragraph would go in the Results section along with your graphs and tables (see LabWrite for guidance on scientific writing).
   • Write a paragraph to discuss your findings. Here is where you make inferences based on what you found and explain what it means, why it matters, how it ties in with broader issues–the big picture. NOTE: Refer to the background material in the Background and Methods for this unit (also found at the top of this page), and see the Additional Information section below). If you were writing a lab report, or scientific paper, this paragraph would go in the Discussion section.

Back to Unit 4.1 main webpage

Additional Information

From Oct. 5, 2016 NCSU Bulletin – Urban Warming Slows Tree Growth, Photosynthesis  – mentions increased insect pests are part of the problem.

Back to Unit 4.1 main webpage