“Using an example, describe the importance of the environment in Darwin’s theory of adaptation by Natural Selection”.
Essay Assignment Topics ANTH 001
A writing assignment constitutes 10% of the course assessment. The essay assignment is one of two
options for the writing assignment. Consult the syllabus for details about the alternate writing
assignment (the Zoo project).
The essay assignment is due on the last day of class – consult the syllabus for dates.
Choose one of the following essay topics:
1. “Using an example, describe the importance of the environment in Darwin’s theory of adaptation by Natural Selection”.
2. “Why is monogamy best understood as a female reproductive strategy? How does this differ from what is found in species with one-male polygyny?”
3. “Compare and contrast the Out-of-Africa and multi-regional models of modern human evolution. Discuss with reference to evidence from studies of modern human genetic variation, or the fossil record. Which model is most supported by the genetic or fossil evidence?”
The essay will be a minimum of four and maximum of six double-spaced pages, 12-point font, 1″
margins, excluding references and title page. Use a separate title page with your name and chosen essay
topic, and start your reference list on a new page. Remember to include your name and student ID on
the title page.
Use of References
In addition to references to the class readings, I would ideally like to see one or more additional
primary-source references (i.e. peer-reviewed journals and scholarly books). Examples of potentially
useful journals available in the library are listed below. DO NOT, under any circumstances, reference
websites. Follow the referencing style of the American Journal of Physical Anthropology.
Essay Structure and Grading Expectations
Refer to Dr. Sullivan’s Undergraduate Essay Guide (on Sac CT) for further information on how to plan
and organize your essay and my expectations in terms of grading your work.
Useful full-text journals that are accessible online at the CSUS library:
American Anthropologist
American Journal of Human Biology
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
Current Anthropology
Evolutionary Anthropology
Evolution and Human Behavior
Human Biology
Essay-Assignment-ANTH-001-Darwins-theory-of-adaptation-by-Natural-Selection
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