For this assignment, you are to describe the processes of evolution in essay format. In order to properly execute this assignment you are going to need to cover a number of concepts. In general you should describe each of the Four Forces of Evolution, to a degree that lets me know that you understand each of them. You should also cover both the concept of species and population. Given that variation is also critical to the process, a description of variation between populations is also necessary. Finally, Isolation Mechanisms and the Speciation event itself must be covered. All of the concepts are interrelated and your essay must reflect that. Be careful as this is easily the most difficult assignment you will have to complete for this class. There is no maximum or minimum word requirement for this essay. You should be able to get all of the information you will need to write this essay from your textbook and from lectures. To help you with the assignment I have provided a recorded lecture specifically designed to help you with this essay. Warning: I do not want to see any outside resources used for this assignment.

Concepts to be covered:

• Species

• Population

• Variation (between populations)

• The Four Forces

o Natural Selection

o Mutation

o Gene Flow

o Genetic Drift

• Isolating Mechanisms

• Speciation

Suggested Essay Organization:

1. Introductory Paragraph

2. Body Paragraph One: Species, Population and maybe Variation

3. Body Paragraphs Two through Five: The Four Forces of Evolution + Variation

4. Last Body Paragraph: Isolation and Speciation

5. Conclusion Paragraph

Grading Rubric:

1. Clear definition of each of the concepts.

This section is worth total of 36 points, or 72% of the total grade. Up to four points will be deducted from the final grade for each poorly defined or missing term.

2. The interaction between the various concepts is clearly illustrated.

This section is worth only four points or 8% of the total grade. However, these will be the hardest points to earn.

3. The assignment is written in essay format with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion.

All of the basic paragraph types must be present. A total of ten points or 20% of the total grade are available for this section.

4. Information gleaned from the book and lectures is properly cited.

Information is on plagiarism is available under the link to the course syllabus. In addition, information on how to properly cite sources in APA is available in the course syllabus. Failure to properly cite sources will result in an “F” for the assignment without the chance to make up the points.

5. No outside sources!

If evidence is found that outside sources were used for the assignment it will result in an automatic 50% reduction in the final grade.

A 10 page essay in which you will reflect upon each of the chapter themes in Why Evolution Is True. It should include reflections on your development and understanding of what evolution is and is not. It should include your personal journey of discovery related to the concept of evolution. It should also include philosophical, theological, and sociological reflections as well as a demonstration of a scientific understanding of evolution. Additionally, you should critique and evaluate the ideas presented in the books using your scientific understanding of the process of evolution.

Note: Chapters read for class are chapters
1- What is Evolution
2-Written in the Rocks
3- Remnants: Vestiges, Embryos, & Bad Design
5-The Engine of Evolution
6-How Sex Drives Evolution
7- The origin of species

I can provide more info if needed for class lesson topics and weekly discussions..