Look at Table 7.2, which shows the amount of growth hormone secreted by the pituitary gland at different ages.
Table 7.2 Amount of growth hormone secreted by the pituitary gland at different ages
Age Growth hormone (micrograms)
10 1 900
20 600
30 350
40 300
50 250
60 200
70 175
80 170
90 150
Plot a line graph to show the change in the amount of growth hormone secreted with age. (8)
Describe the shape of the graph. (2)
To plot the line graph, we will use age as the x-axis and growth hormone (in micrograms) as the y-axis. The points on the graph will be plotted using the corresponding values from Table 7.2.
The graph will start at age 10, with a growth hormone secretion of 1,900 micrograms. From there, it will decrease gradually with each age increment until age 70. From age 70 to 80, the decrease is less steep, and from age 80 to 90, the decrease is even more minimal.
Therefore, the shape of the graph will be a downward sloping curve. There will be a steeper decline in growth hormone secretion from age 10 to 70, followed by a slower decline from age 70 to 90.