Evolutionary Biology

Biology 332: Evolutionary Biology

George M. Diggs, Jr.
Department of Biology and Center for Environmental Studies
Austin College, Sherman, Texas
& Research Associate, Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), Fort Worth

Assignment: Each student will be required to do a short summary of the most recent research on an evolutionary biology topic of their own choosing. The final product will be a three-four page (typed, double-spaced) summary paper and an associated literature cited. The grade will be determined by the depth of research, the recentness of the references, and the integration and understanding shown in the summary. The purpose of this paper is not for you to produce a lengthy tome; rather it is for you to learn about doing up-to-date research on a specific scientific topic. You are required to use the on-line computer search capability available at the Abell Library as well as some source off the internet. Indicate in your literature cited which references were found using the on-line computer search and the internet. You should also make use of the interlibrary loan option if needed. You should reference at least five recent original research articles from appropriate scientific journals (e.g. Evolution, Science, Systematic Botany, Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden; not such sources as Discover, Scientific American, etc.). You may also include older or more general reference works in addition to your five original research articles. An "original research article" is a report in a scientific journal in which the authors present new data and conclusions based on those data. The citation of references and the format of your literature cited must follow the examples on the attached paper ("in note" style). Because of computer and interlibrary time constraints, you should begin work on your paper at least one month in advance of the deadline. I suggest you discuss your choice of topic with me before investing substantial time. Your title, a typed paragraph outlining the topic, and a list of at least three references are due at class time on Tuesday, 15 March. The assignment is due at class time on Tuesday, 5 April. Staple this sheet to the front of your paper prior to handing it in. You will give a twelve minute oral presentation based on your topic during one of our classes or laboratories.

STUDENT ______________________________

GRADE ________________________________

1. Literature Cited (depth of research; topic covered adequately?;
number and diversity of appropriate references) _________

2. Recentness of references ______________________________________

3. Computer searches indicated ___________________________________

4. Integration and understanding shown ____________________________

5. Correct format (references, lit. cited, length, typed, etc.) __________________

6. Title, paragraph, and list of references completed and on time ______________

7. Oral presentation of paper _____________________________________

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