Mathematics Assessment: Please read carefully!!!!

Read all steps before opening and using the data sheet.  Do not waste any of the double period we have as this will impact how much of the assessment we get through.


Statistics Multivariate data.

Using the information you gathered from the Maketu Estuary you will compare they samples of the species evident during your observation.

I have attached the spreadsheet of data.
On the first sheet it has the data collected at each transect and the distance along the transect which it was collected.  This is useful information for discussing why certain species were more evident at different parts of the estuary.

For the data to be displayed in a box and whisker we need to sort into species.  I have set up a table for you to put the data into.  You will need to organise yourselves into 4 groups.  This way you only need to sort around 30 samples each rather than the entire data set.  Each group will sort 3 transect lines worth of data for each of the four species.  E.g Group 1 will put the information for transect 1, 2 & 3 and place the numbers collected under the headings for Amphibola crenata, Zeacumantus lutulentus, Gracilaria (% cover) & Ulva lactuca (% cover).

Once you have completed this you can make a copy of one of the tables and use this for your assessment.
You must sort the data from smallest to biggest for each species (Amphibola crenata, Zeacumantus lutulentus, Gracilaria (% cover) & Ulva lactuca (% cover)). Then work out the summary statistics, Minimum, lower quartile, median, upper quartile, maximum, range & interquartile range.

You are required to complete a full PPDAC cycle so need to make a question, prediction and plan can be written using the science experiements (you may want to wait until I am back before completing this part and focus on sorting the data and drawing the graphs first.

You can then place this information into a box and whisker for each species (so four boxes in total), and place the dots above the boxes to show spread.
Then make the necessary comments for the analysis section and conclusion.

Here is the link to access the spreadsheet.
Spreadsheet of data