Assignment 4 - Working with data

Learning Outcomes

• Apply a given criteria to filter a data set.
• Create a new column in a data.frame using existing columns in that data set.
• Practice using ggplot2 to create data visualizations.
• Identify the uses of different types of visualizations.
• Explain the biological or environmental significance of a data visualization.

Grading note

• Steps 1-3 = 4 points
• Step 4 - Figures = 4 points (2 points for each figure)
• Descriptions of the results of each figure (2 points)

Problem - filtering, mutating, and plotting the Portal data

In this problem set, we will use multiple skills we’ve learned over the first four weeks of class to put together a mini-report on the differences in weights and hind-foot lengths of different rodent genera measured during the Portal Project.

Here are the steps you need to carry out. Show your code in code chunks. How many chunks you use is up to you.

1. Read in the Portal data set
2. Filter the data set so you are only working with the taxa Rodent
3. Create a new column in your data set that includes the date in appropriate date format!
4. Make the following plots / figures
   • A histogram of weight values, with each genera represented by a different color (hint: check out the use of fill in your aes function)
   • An x-y scatter plot of date on the x-axis and hind-foot length on the y-axis, with different colors for the different genera

For your problem set to be complete, you must include a short description of the results of each figure (2-3 sentences).