Selection

Grading Rubric Access

  • The grading rubric can be accessed through the Learning Suite content.

  • It can be found under the ‘urine or fish’ tab and is available as a PDF for review.

Assignment Overview

  • The assignment revolves around writing a popular news article based on a selected topic from the book "Your Inner Fish" by Dr. Neil Shubin.

  • The key points outlined include choosing an evolution-related topic, conducting research, and writing an article intended for a lay audience.

Structure of the Article

  • Length: The article must be four pages, double-spaced.

  • Content sources:

    • A primary article published since 2009 related to the chosen topic (the book was published in 2008).

    • At least three additional reliable scientific sources to support the content.

  • Intended Audience: Articles must be accessible to a general audience, akin to publications like Scientific American or Science Daily.

  • Figures: Up to a half-page of the article may include figures, but copyright restrictions must be observed.

Formatting and Presentation

  • Student's choice on whether to use headers or subheadings to improve readability; not mandatory.

  • The article must present a cohesive argument, prioritizing clarity for non-expert readers.

Writing and Reflection Requirements

  • In addition to the article, a two-page reflection (also double-spaced) is required, addressing the following prompts:

    1. Discussion on how the primary article was utilized and decisions on what to include/exclude.

    2. Justification of the authority and reliability of the selected additional sources.

    3. Exploration of the current conversation surrounding the topic and ongoing research.

    4. Analysis of differences in perspectives between scientists and the general public regarding the topic.

    5. Assessment of the writer's authority on the chosen topic, including areas lacking authority.

    6. Reflections on writing techniques used to make the material understandable for a lay audience.

Citation and Plagiarism Considerations

  • Preferred citation styles were not specified; all citations must be complete and clear.

  • Avoid extensive lists of citations (e.g., more than half a page).

  • Figures included must respect copyright laws; creative commons or original figures are encouraged.

Important Submission Information

  • Draft Deadline: Students have two weeks to complete the draft of the article.

  • Focus on a well-developed draft for better feedback during peer review.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Discussion

  • Recap of examples related to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, particularly concerning an HLA gene and alleles coding for proteins in the major histocompatibility complex.

    • Function: Helps cells recognize self vs. non-self, important for immune response.

    • Observational Study: Research showed deviations in expected homozygous and heterozygous distributions, implying potential non-equilibrium conditions.

  • Exploration of hypotheses about observed deviations:

    • Inbreeding vs. selection advantages for heterozygotes in immune contexts.

    • Potential influences of mate choice based on genetic similarity (observational studies of odor attraction).

Scientific Responsibility and Ethical Considerations

  • Discussion of ethical implications of genetic research, including the complexities of manipulating human genes and the societal impacts.

Practice Problems and Review Exercises

  • Engaged in practice exercises determining evolutionary mechanisms based on various prompts:

    • Differences between genetic drift, selection, mutation, and gene flow were discussed, emphasizing the role of environment and population dynamics.

Types of Natural Selection

  1. Stabilizing Selection: Favors intermediate traits, reducing extremes.

  2. Disruptive Selection: Favors extreme traits on both ends, leading to potential speciation.

  3. Directional Selection: Favors one extreme trait, shifting the population mean in that direction.

  4. Sexual Selection: Traits may evolve that enhance mating success despite survival trade-offs (e.g., peacocks with larger feathers).

Summary of the Assignment Process

  • Students must critically engage with scientific literature, translate complex topics for general understanding, and reflect on their learning process.

  • An essential skill gained is the ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences, a vital component in public understanding of science.