This document is the only paper you will receive regarding instructions on how to finish this paper successfully – so please read it often and clearly, and if there are any questions come see me, sooner rather than later. Your task at hand is to learn how to locate reliable and scholarly information in order to research your topic thoroughly and develop an informed opinion. Your product will be a 4-6 page, double spaced, 12 point font, 1500-2000 word paper describing your findings, disposition and conclusions about your chosen species.

Purpose: The paper is all about researching data collected by other scientists and synthesizing it into a coherent review of the information on your chosen topic. This paper is NOT an argument or opinion piece. A scientific paper presents facts and data in an unbiased, straight forward manner. Your paper should not be an argument for or against an issue.
The purpose of this assignment is to:
1.) Learn as much as you can about your topic
2.) Evaluate the benefits and pitfalls of using a combination of primary and secondary sources (references).
3.) Draw conclusions as an informed member of society.
4.) Learn how to write a concise, grammatically correct, non-plagiarized review paper.

Writing Assignment. You must write a SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL STYLE paper on the species/biodiversity crisis. Please use the Short Guide to Writing About Biology as your guide and the information contained within this assignment.

You can either choose a specific species that is threatened or endangered or you may choose a group of species, like frogs. It is up to you which endangered or threatened species/group you choose to do your paper on (check out http://www.iucnredlist.org , http://www.fws.gov/endangered , http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/index.html for ideas). It should be an example of your best efforts at written communication. Part of your grade will be based on form, style, and grammar, while the content of your report will carry the heaviest weight towards your grade. The length of the write-up should be 4-6 pages (please no more than 6 pages! But a minimum of 4 FULL pages, Minimum of 1500 words (not counting citations), 12pt. times new roman or arial font, double spaced, and word processed (approx. 1500-2000 words). Shorter than 1500 words will be marked down on a percentage basis, e.g. 1,235 word paper: 1235/1500= 0.82 (other words 82%) NOT INCLUDING OTHER ERRORS. Any paper below 1000 words will receive and F. Number of words in the body of the text (not including abstract or literature cited) must be indicated in the upper left side of the 1st page