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Position Paper 1: Are we still evolving?

Origins of Human Diversity, Fall 2016

Assignment:

Darwinian Evolution is the leading scientific theory regarding the development of new species.  We understand the process as decent with modification brought about by selective pressures in the environment that lead to differential reproductive success.  Some people argue that humans have adapted to a point that is beyond the selection process and are no longer evolving or under the pressures of natural selection.  Others argue that because we modify a natural material or state in everything we do and/or build, is that we are still integrated into nature and subject to natural laws such as evolution and natural selection.  Consider this statement and select one of the following positions to defend in your paper.

1. Humans and everything we do are parts of nature and therefore subject to all natural laws and processes, including evolution and natural selection.

Or

1. Humans have elevated themselves above nature and have developed adaptive means to remove themselves from some natural processes such as evolution and natural selection.

Tips for Success:

• Clearly state why you support the position you are defending
• Provide three arguments that support your position
• Support each of your arguments with evidence from the textbook and lectures
• Provide a clear conclusion that summarizes your position
• Proofread!

Submission Instructions:

• You must submit final papers to the D2L “Position Paper 1” Dropbox folder
• You must submit papers before 8:00 am on 9/9/2016
• You must submit Microsoft Word Documents (.doc or .docx), OTHER FORMATS WILL NOT BE GRADED

Formatting Instructions:

• Single space headers (Name, date, title, etc…)
• Times New Roman 11 or 12 point font
• Double space content
• 1” margins
• 700-750 word requirement (10% penalty for not meeting or exceeding the word limit)
• Provide a word count at the end of your paper (5% penalty for failing to include a word count)
• Headers and Works cited do not count towards your word limits

Citation Requirements:

• You must provide in text citations
• Works Cited Page
• APA Style for citations.
• You do not need a cover page or abstract

Do not use direct quotations