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Altruism Within Evolutionary Biology, 2007.
An analysis of the paradox of altruism within evolutionary biology.
1,502 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper examines, through collected evidence, whether or not altruism can occur under the premise of evolutionary biology. It explains what evolutionary biology is and then explains the concept of altruism. It then goes on to explain why altruism is a paradox for evolutionary biology. The paper presents theories on altruism in an attempt to explain and minimize this paradox.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Background
Methods
Discussion
From the Paper
"There are many different results that are possible within this experiment. First, the expected result is that the majority of individuals will answer that they would act altruistically. However, they could act altruistically in some cases, as when they are giving change back to others, but selfishly when it comes to saving a drowning person and risking their own lives. Another scenario is that they could act selfishly when they are in the room by themselves, but when they are doing so in conjunction with someone else, they might be motivated by the visual sign of someone else to be altruistic. I argue that in most cases individuals will be altruistic and that they are altruistic because it is a reciprocated trait. When it comes to the questions of whether they would act altruistically knowing that the other person would not do the same. I believe the majority of individuals will still act altruistically. Although this result might differ from person to person."
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Evolutionary Biology, 2002.
This paper critiques a recent article in evolutionary biology: Velicer, Gregory J. and Richard E Lenski "Evolutionary Trade-offs Under Conditions of Resource Abundance and Scarcity: Experiments with Bacteria" Ecology 80: June 1999, pp. 1168+.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper outlines the experimental method employed, the importance of the research and its future implications.
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Evolutionary Psychology, 2006.
A discussion of evolutionary psychology as the bridge between social science and Christianity.
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses evolutionary psychology, a multi-disciplinary approach to science and philosophy intended to reveal why and how human beings seek out a higher power. This paper discusses how the relatively new field can be used to help interpret the affect of family life on personality as well as the evolution of humanity and our development into social hierarchies. In other words, the paper explains, evolutionary psychology maintains that man should no longer be considered to be a creature of his cultural development -- but instead, cultural developments should be considered to the outcome of man's evolutionary needs and deeds. By critiquing evolutionary psychology, the paper also confronts questions such as: What is at stake in the contemporary drift back to the child-rearing patterns of our mammalian cousins where females provide the care and socialization? and Why do we as a species gravitate towards religion? The paper concludes that evolutionary psychology may ultimately reduce the ideas of the social scientists and elevate those with religious fervor. Therefore, the paper agrees that evolutionary psychology is a bridge between the social sciences and Christianity -- but in a negative sense.
Outline:
Introduction
Debates
Evolutionary Psychology
Social Sciences
Christianity
Bridge
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Discourses on specific relationships between societies, religious factions and their natural environments have been a persistent feature of human nature. There have been numerous writers, philosophers and thinkers that have routinely attempted to tie science, social science and religion together in some elaborate social theory. "The discussion of disciplinary history sheds light on what have often been long and intricate conflicts over the demarcation of disciplinary boundaries, in particular between the biological and social sciences. Any attempt to cross the boundary between biology and the social sciences makes visible the connections and reveals the blind spots created by these disciplinary divisions. Past history is still present in the definition of concepts, the images created by them, and, above all, in the resistance to interdisciplinary interactions. For these reasons, awareness of the sources of potential misunderstandings can help focus attention on real, rather than spurious, disagreements." (Maasen, Mitchell, Richerson, & Weingart, 1997)"
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Careers in Biology, 2004.
A look at the advantages of obtaining a degree in biology.
943 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how training in biology provides biology majors with a wide variety of potential career options and how the choice of potential careers is wide, even within a specific area of biology. It looks at how the choice of potential employers is wide and includes federal and government agencies, as well as agriculture and pharmaceuticals and other private and public industries. It also discusses how the amount of education required depends largely upon a specific career choice. Choosing a career in biology is about matching a wide number of factors, including personal ethics, salary, and personal interests.
From the Paper
"Biologists often face a number of ethical concerns that may drive their career choices (Winter and Belikoff). The use of animals in medical research is an ethical problem for many would-be scientists, as are ethically charged issues like human cloning and stem cell research. Biology careers focusing on wildlife conservation and related areas face many environmental issues. Careers in the pharmaceutical industry often bring up ethical issues surrounding drug cost and availability. For example, drug companies have been criticized for not making expensive AIDs treatments available to individuals in Africa for little or no cost."
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BIOLOGY, 2007.
A review of biology as a cross-interdisciplinary study.
1,395 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at biology. According to the paper, biology covers the entirety of human history as well as the study of all life on the planet Earth. This paper focuses on what and how resources within biology are actually used. The paper assesses their validity based upon their credibility and support within the specific fields.
From the Paper
"There are several types of journals about biology. The two most prominent types are peer-reviewed journals and main-stream journals. In the first case, peer reviewed journals are very scientific in nature and not suited for laymen. They are usually published by professional associations of scientists such as the American Biology Society, and the Public Library of Science. Such literature is usually published on an annual, bi-annual or monthly basis and contains articles that are written by professionals within the field that detail their research. All articles within such journals are peer-reviewed and thus have credibility because they are reviewed for accuracy. Peer reviewed journals take on two particular forms, the first are ones that discipline specific, these journals are usually published through professional associations that specialize in such arenas. For instance, the American Ecology Society publishes a monthly peer-reviewed journal on topics that have to do with ecology. Another type of peer-reviewed journals is national level journals that look at the compilation of research across a spectrum of biological disciplines. Such journals such as the one published by the Public Library of Science, tend to be a panoramic view of the biology discipline, with articles that have to do with the complete breath of research within biology in general. The PLOS Biology journal is published three times a year and is a collection of the most important research within the national trimester. "
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Biology and Gender Differences, 2002.
The roles of biology and socialization in shaping gender differences.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper examines psychological and sociological evidence gathered over the last several decades pertaining to the roles that biology and socialization play in the formation of gender roles. Studies showing how hormones, brain differences, and physical differences between males and females shape the traits associated with their genders. Sociological theories are examined that point to socialization playing a significant part in the development of a child's gender identification. Theories of transgendered individuals existing as a separate sex from males and females are touched upon. Both biology and socialization are demonstrated to shape gender roles, with a greater part played by biology.
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Psycho-Evolutionary Theory of Adventure, 2007.
This paper looks at risk taking behavior and concentrates on Griffiths' psycho-evolutionary theory.
4,703 words (approx. 18.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 121.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the reasons behind risk taking behavior have baffled psychologists and sociologists for many years. This research explores new theories that might help to explain why people love to take risks. It revisits some of the older theories and adds insight into emerging philosophies on risk taking behavior. The proposed study takes into account current theories on risk taking behaviors, but focuses on Griffiths' psycho-evolutionary theory and its impact on risk taking theory. The writer examines several new theories including biophilia, intra-indigenous consciousness, theories in adventure education, and social disconnectedness. The paper also includes appendices, showing details of survey and an IQ test.
Outline:
Proposal
Introduction
Background and Underlying Theory
The Emotional Response to Risk
The History of Risk Theory
Evolutionary Perspectives
Modern Theories
Psycho-evolutionary Theory
Theoretical Basis of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Hypothesis
Methodology
Study Participants
Research Instrument
Procedure
Variables
Data Analysis
Limitations of the Study
Conclusion
Appendix I
Appendix II
Works Cited
From the Paper
"People can be divided into risk takers, risk reducers and risk avoiders. This is termed as the person's risk orientation. Risk avoiders tend to avoid situations that they feel are risky. Risk reducers partake in an activity, but ignore, or refuse to acknowledge the risks involved. Risk takers appear to be attracted to the risks themselves and will participate in an activity because of the risks involved. It is this third category, risk takers that this research will be most concerned with. The purpose of this research will be to tie traditional theories about risk taking to the psychoevolutionary theory in order to examine the possibility of an evolutionary basis for the propensity towards engaging in risky behaviors."
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Evolutionary Theory, 2003.
An examination of the influence and role played by evolutionary thought in cultural anthropology.
3,061 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 17 sources, APA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the idea that evolutionism is tied to an idea of primitive society that crystallized in the 1860?s and 1870?s. It discusses Darwin?s Origin of the Species which appeared in 1859 and how over the next two decades a plethora of books appeared about primitive society. It analyses how these books assumed a unilineal progression from ?primitive? society to modern society and how although these thinkers were called evolutionary, their thinking bore little resemblance to Darwinian evolutionist theory. It explores the thought of evolutionary anthropologists and attempts to discover the methodological and theoretic problems with their arguments. It also examines how evolutionary ideas are transmitted, in an attempt to discover the secret of the longevity.
From the Paper
"One can note that way evolutionist schemata?s are constructed as a gradual progression away from ?nature? as constituted by the west. For instance, all primitive societies are based on kin, and in Morgan?s scheme, it is only after the creation of the monogamous society that private property becomes a possibility. The postulation of an original type by evolutionist theorists is problematic now because such ideas are seen as mere speculation. Furthermore, we are aware that there is a heterogeneous mix of each group that the theorists took to be original types. One methodological criticism underlying all the theorists we will look at is that they took modern hunter-gatherer societies to be representative of prehistory, even though we are now aware they are dynamic societies shaped and changed by their contact with colonialism and agricultural society."
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Classroom Learning Community and Biology, 2002.
A literature review of developing a learning community in the classroom and how this can be applied to biology instruction in high school.
8,524 words (approx. 34.1 pages), 19 sources, MLA, $ 180.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by providing an in-depth definition of a "learning community", summarized as curricular/instructional structure that provides students with opportunities for deeper understanding and integration of the material they are learning, as well as more interaction with one another and with their teachers who are viewed as fellow participants in the learning enterprise. This paper reviews the existing literature on learning communities and applies this literature to high school biology instruction. The review is presented in two parts: An examination of the literature indicating those conditions needed to establish a classroom as a learning community; and a review of instructional strategies that have been successful in getting students to achieve in the biological sciences. The review ends with the formulation of conclusions about developing learning communities in the classroom in general and in the biology classroom in particular, and those instructional strategies that might be best used in the classroom learning community.
From the Paper
"Kellog (1999) reports that the notion of a learning community was originally conceived by Alexander Meiklejohn who, at the University of Wisconsin, gathered both students and faculty together to study and discuss classic Greek literature during their first year of college and compare it to the contemporary American literature information which they studied in their second-year of college. Students were required to connect the ideas they learned in both literature classes. They wrote a paper during the summer between the first and second years and another paper at the end of the second year in which they compared what they had learned. This initial learning community established by Alexander Meiklejohn lasted for about six years. Today the concept of the learning community includes many different models; however, Kellog (1999) notes that, in general, regardless of the type of model used, learning communities produce several benefits to students, to staff and faculty and to the schools using the model. For students, these benefits include: increased academic achievement, improved retention, increased motivation, gains in intellectual development and greater involvement in learning itself."
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The Early Evolutionary History of Horses, 2002.
This paper is a cladogenetic view of the early evolutionary history of horses.
2,365 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses that, for many years, paleontologists held that the evolution of horses, as evident in the fossil record, was anagenetic, or progressing in a virtually straight, single line of evolution; but more recently paleontologists have found evidence supporting a cladogenetic evolutionary pattern in the Miocene, which created a multiplicity of horse species or "branches" on the evolutionary trunk. The author points out that, as the fossil record yields more and more of its "secrets" to paleontologists through new investigative technologies, the established theories require revision.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Discussion
Anagenesis and Cladogenesis
The Emergence of Speciated Branching
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper
"The fossil record of horses (family Equidae) over the past 55 million years is a classic example of macroevolution. North America is the ancestral home of horses and many fossil sites across the continent have been identified as containing abundant remains of ancient members of the family. ... states that any given fossil locality in North America from about 50-55 to 20-25 million years ago, it is usually possible to find 2-4 species of horses that seem to have lived side-by-side. However, from about 20-10 million years ago, the fossil record suggests that horses evolved rapidly, adapting to various environments and ways of life."
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Darwinian Anthropology and Evolutionary Psychology, 2002.
This paper compares and contrasts the two major views of the cultural development of humans: Darwinian Anthropology and Evolutionary Psychology.
1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
The writer explores the similarity between the two theories in that each acknowledges the evolutionary mechanisms for behavior that have been inherited. The rest of the paper highlights the ways in which the theories diverge: Darwinian Anthropology feels these are secondary to modern cultural influence while Evolutionary Psychology feels they are primary in explaining how and why we behave as we do.
From the Paper
"Many feel that a combination of the two theories is a viable solution to the differences and weaknesses we have found. While this is not a direct comparison of our two original theories, it is important to look at ways in which they could coexist. These coevolutionary theories combine the study of current adaptations in current culture to help understand the evolution of mechanisms which initially drive the culture. The inverse is also true; studying the mechanisms of evolution in the human mind helps to understand why we behave as we do in modern society."
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Darwinian Anthropology and Evolutionary Psychology, 2002.
A Comparison of two developmental evolutionary theories.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 10 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses two major views of the cultural development of humans, which are Darwinian Anthropology and Evolutionary Psychology. This paper examines both theories and finds that they have similarities, the most obvious of which being the basis of said development on the evolutionary theory of Charles Darwin. Each has its own justifiable points on human development; likewise each has its fallacies. It is the intent of this paper to explore these similarities and differences as well as the ramifications thereof.
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Analysis of "Culture and the Evolutionary Process", 2007.
An analysis of "Culture and the Evolutionary Process" by Robert Boyd and Peter Richerson.
1,059 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper ananlyzes the hypotheses presented in Robert Boyd and Peter Richerson's seminal work "Culture and the Evolutionary Process." The reviewer considers assumptions presented in the book which underline the relationship between science and culture in promoting human evolution. The paper also shows links between Boyd and Richardson and earlier research in the field. The reviewer concludes that the discussions and analyses in "Culture and the Evolutionary Process" uncovers explanations and generates further understanding of how humans and human society came about, and continues to develop in the present.
From the Paper
"Boyd and Richerson provide two general assumptions that lead to their hypothesis, which posits that science and culture significantly influence each other in understanding the human evolutionary process. In the words of the authors, "process-oriented "scientific" analyses help us understand how history works, and "historical" data are essential to test scientific hypotheses about how populations and societies change" "
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Women and Relationships: Evolutionary Standpoint, 2008.
This paper discusses human sexual behavior and mating choices from a female evolutionary standpoint, focusing special attention to how the roles of women have changed in modern society.
1,348 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the study of human sexual behavior and human sex differences, which has been approached from many different points and in recent years has been viewed through the lens of evolutionary theory. Evolution tries to explain human bodies, and also human minds and behaviors, and it explains not only vague human potentials and capacities but also things far more specific about ourselves than we had thought possible. However, despite agreement on the evolutionary theories, many writers could not accurately explain the idea of human mating choices. Earlier theorists and writers have adhered to the earlier concepts of mating and choices of men and women while changes developed in their roles. For example, women became more open in their relationships with men instead of being a subdued partner. This paper discusses the way these changes have been seen in the current roles of women.
Outline:
Introduction
Changes & Researches
The stereotypes
Preferences for Short & Long Term Relationships
Attractiveness
The Other Side of Beauty
Working/Powerful Women
Conclusions
From the Paper
"The perception is that males assign so much importance to attractiveness that when constrained they ignore personal attributes that appear to be critical for the viability of a long-term romantic relationship. A major drawback of explanations based on social theories is that they do not specify why people in diverse societies assign great importance to attractiveness in the first place. Because attractiveness signals attributes that are crucial for reproductive success, attractive people are pursued by many as potential mates, inculcating and reinforcing their beliefs about their greater desirability compared to unattractive people. The possession of highly sought-after traits would allow attractive people to be choosy, demanding, and less compromising in relationships. Attractive women were perceived to be vain, dishonest, less moral, to have a lack of concern for others, and to be more sexually provocative than less-attractive females. Such a cluster of negative attributes or the other side of the attractiveness stereotype is difficult to explain on the basis of social theories of stereotype formation. An alternative explanation would be that attractive females do, at least occasionally, engage in behaviors that are not held in high regard, thereby giving the 'darker side of beauty' some basis in truth (Alley & Hildebrandt, 1988). The stereotypical belief that attractive women are not very faithful, although consistent with the findings of the darker side of attractiveness, creates a puzzle as attractive women are also rated as most desirable for a long-term relationship. This shows that the female must offer some other qualities as well."
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Richard Lewontin's "Biology as Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA", 2005.
This paper reviews Richard Lewontin's "Biology as Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA", which challenges the popular conception of science.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Richard Lewontin in his book "Biology as Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA" presents a view of science that challenges the popular conception of science as a methodical quest for objective knowledge, which exists outside of the political and social structures of human society. The author points out that the book, which is based on Lewontin's lectures for the 1990 Massey Lectures, focuses on Lewontin's area of scientific specialty biology with a particular emphasis on genetics. The paper relates that the book's component chapters each address and subvert popular myths of science that, for many people, render its practices and practitioners beyond the realm of social and political thought.
From the Paper
"Richard Lewontin, in his book Biology as Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA, presents a view of science that challenges the popular conception of science as an methodical quest for objective knowledge that exists outside of the political and social structures of human society. This book, based on Lewontin's lectures for the 1990 Massey Lectures, focuses on Lewontin's area of scientific specialty: biology, with a particular emphasis on genetics. The book's component chapters each address, and subvert, popular myths of science that - for many people - render its practices and practitioners beyond the realm of social and political thought."
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