PRACTICAL Name:

40 Looking at variation
You need:
■ tape measure ■ ruler with millimetre scale
■ scales (in kilograms) ■ graph paper

1 Working in pairs, record the information listed

on the next page for both students, referring to
the diagrams if necessary.
2 Record your results. name ear lobes tongue finger mass
Data for the whole class should be recorded in yes/no rolling length (kg)
the form of a table on the chalkboard. yes/no (mm)

Data should be used to draw histograms.

A blank histogram for finger length is shown.
Draw others for the remaining data.
3 For each of the characteristics which you 35
have measured/observed, decide whether the 30
Number of students

particular feature is an example of continuous 25

variation or discontinuous variation. Briefly 20
explain your reasons for deciding whether
15
the characteristics were continuous or
10
discontinuous.
5
4 Refer specifically to the data on hand span and
0
height. Plot a graph which would enable you 41–45 46–50 51–55 56–60 61–65 66–70 71–75
to determine whether these two characteristics Finger length (mm)
are related. Comment on your results.

Your teacher will be looking for:

■ careful measurement and recording of results
■ good presentation of results in tables and histograms

Extension
● Think of other variations you could investigate for humans. For
each one, predict whether it is continuous or discontinuous.
● Think of variations you could study in plants. Investigate one
of these by collecting data and presenting your results as a
histogram.

© OUP: this may be reproduced for class use solely for the purchaser’s institute