Applying Technology to Collect Data in Biology (SL IB Biology)

• Improvements in technology and data sharing have made it easier to collect data during biological investigations
  • Electronic sensors can be used to collect experimental data, e.g. 
    • Taking measurements of the abiotic environment
    • Using monitoring equipment to assess physiological factors such as lung volume and heart rate
  • Data relating to DNA sequences and chromosomes can be extracted from online databases
    • A database is a structured collection of data so it can be searched, sorted, filtered and analysed quickly
  • Models and simulations can be used to generate data to inform predictions about real life scenarios, e.g.
    • Predictions about population growth can be made using population growth curve models
    • Model ecosystems such as mesocosms can be used to investigate the effects of changing environmental variables

E.g. collecting data using electric data loggers and sensors

Data loggers

• Data loggers are electronic devices that allow for the quick and efficient gathering of data
  • The information contained within a data logger can be inputted into a computer and formatted into a table
  • After this is done the computer is able to calculate the average and plot graphs using the data and calculate gradients quicker and more accurately than humans
• Data loggers are attached to sensors that monitor and record environmental parameters over time, e.g. temperature, pressure, or pH sensors

Sensors

• Sensors are input devices that detect and respond to specific changes in their surroundings, converting the detected information into electrical signals stored within a data logger
• Examples of sensors include
  • pH meters
    • pH meters measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution expressed as a pH value
      • A pH value is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the solution
    • It might be necessary to measure the pH of a solution while, e.g. investigating the effect of pH on enzyme activity
  • Temperature probes
    • Temperature sensors are used to measure the temperature of a system or a reaction
    • They are crucial for carrying out experiments that require specific temperature conditions
    • Temperature sensors can be used instead of thermometers in practical investigations 

Electronic data loggers and sensors can be used to easily gather information and relay it to a computer for processing