Ansally Kuria
BIOLOGY EXTENDED ESSAY
2007
An investigation into the height and body fat differences of Kenyans and Italians aged between seventeen and twenty one.
Contents
Title p. 1.
Contents p.2
Abstract p.3
Introduction p.4
Pictures of cast skulls p.5
The experiment:
Aim, requirements and Method p.8
Data collection
Table one ~ Kenyan females p.9
Table two~ Kenyan males p.10
Table three ~ Italian females p.11
Table four ~ Italian males p.12
Results and analysis p.13
Conclusion p.14
Data representation
Bar graphs showing average percentage fat p.15
Bar graphs showing average height p.16
Evaluation
Strengths, Weaknesses and limitations p.17
Recommendations and modifications p.18
Bibliography p.19
Appendix
Newspaper article p.20
Flyer of the trimmeter p.21
The conversion tables for both genders p.22
Abstract
This extended essay is to investigate the differences and similarities if any, of the height and body fat amount of the people of Kenya, and those of Italy aged between seventeen and twenty one. This was done by taking height measurements and skin fold measurements.
The Height measurements were taken using a measuring tape while those of body fat were taken using a trimmeter. A trimmeter is a device that resembles a calliper and is used to take skin fold measurements in four recognised points of the body. These include, the biceps fold, the triceps fold, the shoulder blade fold, and the pelvis fold. The four measurements are then added up together and the percentage body fat, relative to the body weight is obtained by reading the value corresponding to the total, on a table that comes along with the trimmeter. The table has different values for females and males since their fat percentages are different. Females have more fat.
To determine the amount of fat in the body, one multiplies the percentage body fat with the total body weight.
From the investigation I found out it true that, females from both countries had a higher percentage of body fat compared to their male counterparts. However, Kenyan females had a smaller percentage of fat and were taller, with average percentages of 29.3% and 167cm respectively. This is compared to 31.7% and 164.6cm for the Italian females. The same trend followed for males. Kenyans had an average body fat percentage of 16.3 % and average height of 178.2cm. The Italians had 20.4% and 173.2cm respectively.
Thus the conclusion I came to, is that, on average the Kenyans have a smaller percentage of body fat and are taller than Italians aged seventeen to twenty one.
(293 words)