Are Scatter Plots or Line Graphs Better for Presenting Pollution Index Data?

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The discussion centers on the appropriateness of using scatter plots versus line graphs for presenting pollution index data in ecology coursework. The user received a lower grade for using scatter plots to display the relationship between pollution index scores and the number of species observed, questioning whether a line graph was necessary. Key points include the potential expectation of interpolating data points or calculating average index values as a continuous function. The user feels the grading criteria were unclear, leading to confusion about the correct graph type. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding graph selection based on data characteristics in ecological studies.
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[SOLVED] Simple graph presentation

Forgive my not using the thread template but it doesn't really fit my problem.

I got some ecology coursework back where I had to use a few graphs to present my data. In some of the graphs I had to present scatter plots with results from a pollution index (a score based on presence/absence of various species with different pollution tolerances) at several sites against total number of species observed there. I was marked down for plotting points rather than a line. If this was say pollution index vs distance down stream fair enough, but I'm sure a line graph would be unsuitable for my data.

Was my marker having a bad day, or am I being really stupid?
 
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The applicable questions seem to be: 1. were you expected to interpolate between data points? or 2. were you expected to calculate the average index value as a continuous function of the number of species (e.g, by fitting a least squares line)?
 
That's probably it. It just wasn't clear from her comments. Thanks.

This is [solved] but I'm not getting the option under thread tools.
 
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