BIOL 4141: Evolution 1
TRU Open Learning
Assignment 2: Scientific Theorist Obituary (15%)
In this assignment, you will apply your knowledge of different concepts in modern
evolutionary theory by writing an obituary for an early evolutionary (pre-Darwin)
thinker.
You will post your completed assignment to the class blog for viewing by your peers
and submit a copy of your obituary using the Assignment Submission tool for
grading by your Open Learning Faculty Member.
Learning Outcomes
Assignment 2 is aimed at helping you achieve the following:
Discuss and compare the elements of the theory of evolution. Recognize
evolutionary processes on different temporal scales.
Relate the changes in evolutionary thinking by outlining how historical
approaches are continuously modified to accommodate new findings.
Apply the principles of evolutionary theory to a myriad of contemporary
problems and questions.
Interpret and communicate scientific knowledge and results effectively to a
wide audience (the general public and scientific community).
Appreciate the way in which scientific inquiry is embedded in the fabric of
the society in which it exists.
Tasks
Assignment 2 Weighting
Write Scientific Theorist Obituary 15%
Submit your assignment for grading
Post your assignment to the blog
Total 15%
2 Assignment 2
TRU Open Learning
Instructions
To complete Assignment 2, do the following:
1. Choose any scientist that was alive prior to Darwin, who has left a legacy
important for development of evolutionary theory.
2. From the perspective of a modern evolutionary theorist, write an 800–1,200
word obituary of this scientist.
3. For an example of a similar but a more extensive obituary, please read the
following article on the biologist Ernst Mayr.
Margulis, L. (2005). Ernst Mayr, biologist extraordinaire: An appreciation of
Harvard’s visionary of modern evolutionary synthesis. American Scientist,
93(3), 200-201: doi:10.1511/2005.3.20
(Note: This article is available in the TRU library database.)
4. Highlight and explain the significance for contemporary evolutionary theory
of the discoveries made by this scientist.
5. Check that you have demonstrated your grasp of the learning outcomes
stated for this assignment.
6. Post your completed answer to the class blog and submit it to your Open
Learning Faculty Member for grading.
Submitting Your Assignment
Use a font size that is 10 to 12 points, and use one-inch margins for the page layout.
Check your answer for plagiarism and use the Assessment Checklist (below) before
you submit your assignment.
In this assignment, you will be assessed for all blogging criteria: quality of your post,
communication skills, critical thinking and self-reflection, participation, and
adherence to blogging protocol. Follow the guidelines for blogging in the Course
Guide and read the explanation of criteria provided below.
Use the Assignments tool in the left navigation bar when you are ready to submit
your assignment to your Open Learning Faculty Member.
Writing Guidelines
For an overview of the writing expectations for this course review the “Writing
Guidelines” document (Found under the Assignments Overview tab) and follow the
“Assessment Checklist” below.
To avoid plagiarism, consult TRU Library’s page: “Plagiarism – what is it?”
BIOL 4141: Evolution 3
TRU Open Learning
Assessment Checklist
I have outlined important discoveries made by the pre-Darwin scientist I
chose.
I have addressed how these discoveries contribute to our current
understanding of evolutionary theory.
For each of my paragraphs, I have included the following: a topic sentence
that makes a point, claim, or observation; evidence that illustrates or supports
the point; and an explanation of how the paragraph directly supports how
discoveries contribute to our current understanding of evolutionary theory.
My topic sentences relate to each other.
I have followed formatting requirements.
I have used formal, concise language.
I have clearly connected different ideas
I have guarded against plagiarizing any of my sources.
I have edited the obituary for readability.
I have checked my spelling and grammar.
Grading Rubric
Obituary (100 points; 15% of total mark)
20 points Important discoveries (at least two) made by a scientist of my
choice, who lived prior to Darwin have been outlined.
50 points How the above discoveries contribute to our current understanding
of evolutionary theory has been addressed.
Discussion of the elements of evolutionary theory;
Relation of the changes in evolutionary thinking outlined by
how historical approaches are continuously modified to
accommodate new findings;
Effective communication of scientific knowledge to wide
audience.
4 Assignment 2
TRU Open Learning
20 points Writing is well organized and clear.
Each paragraph written, includes a topic sentence (a point,
claim, or observation around which the paragraph revolves
and that supports the statement of the problem), examples or
evidence that illustrates or supports the point, and
explanation of how the paragraph directly supports how
discoveries contribute to our current understanding of
evolutionary theory;
Topic sentences are related to each other;
Ideas are clearly connected;
Writing flows in logical sequence.
10 points Formatting requirements have been followed.
Approximately 800-1200 words, 10-12 point font;
Proper language use, grammar and spelling.
100 points Total