Average Lifespan of Some Long-Living Animals

Average Lifespan of Some Long-Living Animals
graph published in Science World; slow reveal by Jenna Laib

Type of Graph: bar graph

Purpose

This slow reveal is designed to support analysis and discussion of both the data and the design choices. The questions in the slide deck invite learners to examine trends, relationships, and possible interpretations. This graph focuses on reading a scaled bar graph (grades 3+), and estimating values for bars that fall between two marked intervals. There are also connections to science content.

About This Graph

This visualization is not provided for reuse or redistribution. Readers and educators are encouraged to view the original visualization in its published context.

Original Visualization:
Mendelsohn, Kohava. “Secrets of the World’s Oldest Sharks” Science World: January 20. Accessed at: https://scienceworld.scholastic.com/issues/2024-25/012025/oldest-sharks.html

Data Sources:

• Nielsen, J. et al. (2016). Eye lens radiocarbon reveals centuries of longevity in the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus). Science, 353(6300), 702–704.
  DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf1703
• USGS (Tubeworm, Ocean Quahog Clam, Glass Sponge)
• Roark, E.B., Guilderson, T.P., Dunbar, R.B., & Fallon, S.J. (2009/2012). Extreme longevity in proteinaceous deep-sea corals. Chemical Geology, 269(3–4), 205–214.
  DOI: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2009.09.012

In The Classroom

There are many different mathematical connections that can be made to this data and data visualization.

Potential Math Content: bar graph, scaled bar graph, estimating values, comparing values, magnitude, place value

Potential Content Connections: animals, marine life, life science,