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Drawing Conclusions
Graphing the invertebrate data willidentify trends and changes |
After collecting, identifying and counting aquatic invertebrate samples, graphing the results will help illustrate differences or changes.
Differences in the graphed invertebrate data may be caused by the time of day, the season, the type of bottom substrate or by pollution. Were the differences natural or the result of human impact?
The following questions may help with the analysis of invertebrate data:
- How much of the river was affected?
- Were differences measured on both sides of the river?
- Were all organisms affected or just specific types?
- Were the differences related to the seasons?
- Did each sample site have the same type of substrate and flow rate?
- Were the invertebrates sampled with the same type of equipment and care?
- Is there any chemical data corresponding to the invertebrate changes?
- Were there any unusual smells detected in the area?
- Did previous sampling, floods or snow dumps disturb the study site?
- How is the surrounding land being used?
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