Hominin Evolution Paper Assignment
Paper details:
This assignment will demonstrate your ability to analyze and apply information in essay format about hominin species that lived over the past 2 million years. Your task is to write a research paper in which you analyze the ecological conditions and behavioral patterns that contributed to the evolution of Homo erectus, Archaic Homo sapiens, Neanderthals and early modern Homo sapiens. Your paper should include discussion of: Pleistocene ecological conditions that contributed to selection for the genus Homo. Population pressures and ecological factors that contributed to the dispersal of the genus Homo, citing specific evidence of Asian, European and African regional distribution and features. Evidence for interbreeding over the past 1 million years, culminating in our modern human genome. Early symbolic behavior, cultural adaptations and/or communal activities, citing specific examples as evidence of a developing human cognition. Explanation for modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens) being the only species of the genus Homo alive today. Apply the concepts of allele mutation, gene flow, genetic drift and how availability of food, habitats, sexual selection and increasing sophistication of technology (tools) affected evolution of the genus Homo from 2 million years ago to 15,000 years ago. Your paper must have an introduction and a conclusion. Your thesis statement must appear at the end of your first paragraph. Your conclusion should demonstrate what you learned from your research. Requirements: 1) Name, date and subject at the top left corner of the first page. No title page or cover pages. 2) Papers must be typed, double-spaced, spell-checked and proof-read for correct grammar. 3) Use one-inch margins – no 1.25 inch margins. Adjust your default margins to 1-inch if necessary. 4) Use a minimum of three (3) reputable, college-appropriate sources to gather information. Use your textbook as one of your three required sources. No Wikipedia! Textbook: “Exploring Biological Anthropology”, by Stanford, Allen and Antón (3rd edition) 5) Use APA-format in-text citations for information that is not common knowledge. 6) Four full pages of text minimum, six-page maximum, not including source page. 7) Source page must be written in APA format on a separate sheet at the end of your paper.