Evolution

Evolution assignment

Natural selection and evolution play a large role in behaviors of animals, including humans. The Owens et al. study assigned for reading this week introduces a strain of mice that have been selected (scientifically, rather than naturally) for behavioral sensitivity to alcohol. These selected strains of mice are an example of evolution through selection for certain traits. Write a 2-3 page paper (excluding the reference section and title page) discussing a particular strain of animal where a particular behavior has been selected for. You can select almost any behavior and find selection studies that have been done in mice and rats. You can also use the long-sleep and short-sleep mice that have been presented in the article this week. Be sure to discuss not only the selection process and impact but also other associated changes resulting from the initial selection process. As you will find if you search the long-sleep and short-sleep mice there will be a significant number of changes that occur at the neurochemical and behavioral level as a result of the initial selection study.

Week One Written Assignment Grading Criteria
Content Criteria
4 Points
An animal strain that has been selected on a particular behavior or phonotype is
clearly identified.
The selection process for the phenotype or behavior is clearly identified.
Secondary behavioral changes as a result of the selection are discussed.
Secondary neurochemical changes are examined.
Writing and Organization Criteria
1 Point
The central theme/purpose of the paper is clear.
The structure is clear, logical, and easy to follow.

The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment.
The thoughts are clear and include appropriate beginning, development, and conclusion.
Paragraph transitions are present, logical, and maintain the flow throughout the paper.
Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.
Sentences are well constructed, with consistently strong, varied sentences.
Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought.
Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed.
The paper uses words and language that are inclusive, clear, and unambiguous.
Spelling is correct.
Research Criteria
1 Point
The paper includes a summary and analysis of research materials that are relevant to the assignment, e.g. scholarly journals, professional articles, legal documents, government documents, legal decisions, media clips, software, measurement instruments websites, personal communication, etc.
Professional/scholarly journals are peer reviewed and focus on the profession/application of psychology (located on ProQuest, EBSCOHost, PsycNET, etc.). Non-scholarly articles include newspapers, periodicals, secular magazines, etc, and are not peer reviewed. Websites not approved include wilkipedia.com and about.com.
Research focuses on the most current information (past five to ten years) except when citing seminal works (e.g. Freud, Erickson, etc.).
Paper includes the appropriate number of references required by the assignment.
When appropriate, the paper addresses ethical considerations in research.
Style Criteria

1 Point
The paper is in the appropriate APA format used by the institution/program (e.g. the 6th edition).
The paper is double-spaced and in the appropriate length required by the assignment
The paper includes an APA style cover page.
The paper includes an Abstract that is formatted to support the appropriate version of APA Publication Manual (e.g. 6th edition).
The paper properly uses headings, font styles, and white space as outlined in the appropriate version of APA Publication Manual (e.g. 6th edition).
The paper includes an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.
The paper addresses the topic of the paper with critical thought.
The paper concludes with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
Citations of original works within the body of the paper follow the appropriate version of APA Publication Manual (e.g. 6th edition) guidelines.
The paper includes a References Page that is completed according to the appropriate version of APA Publication Manual (e.g. 6th edition).
Total Possible Points