Comparing trends and patterns in data helps students interpret experimental data in order to explain environmental changes that occur over time. These skills can help predict short- and long-term changes in an environment. As students build their skills in data analysis, they will learn how the data illustrate environmental concepts. It is also important that they learn to predict patterns and trends based on information provided in graphs and tables. Analyzing population growth, age structure diagrams, and survivorship curves can help students develop these skills.

While calculator use is permitted on the AP Exam, students still have to show their work, including the numbered steps they used to obtain an answer, with appropriate units. Without the appropriate units, a calculation is meaningless, even with correct computation. In this unit, students may benefit from having multiple opportunities to practice calculations such as population growth and the application of the rule of 70.

Students can also practice selecting the appropriate calculation that is required in the analysis of a data set.