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Co-Evolutionary Interactions, 2.
Provides evidence for co-evolution of mammalian herbivores and plant secondary compounds in boreal forests.
2,907 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 34 sources, MLA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
This paper considers the potential for co-evolutionary interactions between plant secondary compounds and browsing mammals in a relatively simple system. It first briefly presents several theoretical ideas on plant-animal co-evolution and then present the evidence on interactions between mammalian browsers and woody plants in boreal regions that may bear on the co-evolutionary questions.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Theoretical Co-evolution
Browsers and Food Plants in the Boreal Forest
Variation in Secondary Compounds and Browsing Resistance
Estimating Plant Fitness
The Herbivores: Hares, Moose, and Voles
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The evidence for the effects of secondary compounds on fitness has not been measured directly for boreal mammals. However, the evidence presented above suggests that they may be important. Both the fine-scale selectivity of browsers among similar plants and plant parts that vary in their levels of secondary compounds (Bryant et al. 1991a,b, Bryant et al. 1992) and the potentially severe effects of these chemicals on the herbivores' nutritional status (Iason and Palo 1991) suggest that the ability to avoid or detoxify secondary compounds is a result of selection."
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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Evolutionary Models, 2006.
A paper looking at the different methods of analysis used to learn about evolutionary change.
1,406 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper considers which scientific methods of analysis in the study of evolution are more compatible with the ideas of punctuated equilibria. More specifically, the paper compares Cladistic Methods with the methods of Phyletic Gradualism in terms of their compatibility with the ideas of punctuated equlibria and then considers whether the concept of adaptation is more important in either model of evolutionary change. Included with this paper, in addition to the sources used to write the paper, is a list of recommended sources as well.
From the Paper
"Biological systematists who wished to reconstruct evolutionary genealogies of species based on morphological similarities originally develop phylogenetic analysis. The German entomologist Willi Hennig was the first author to propose an explicit method of phylogenetic analysis, and the publication of his work in English (Hennig 1996) quickly led to the widespread use of his approach. Phylogenetic methods used to reconstruct the relationships between macro-molecular sequences also involve the application of Hennigian principles."
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Evolutionary Psychology, 2007.
A discussion of new theories on personality in psychology.
2,311 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper defines evolutionary psychology. It explores this new field of psychology as it relates to traditional perspectives on the development of personality. The paper expands on the development of this field and also offers some incite into its future.
Table of Contents:
New Theories on Personality
Key Evolutionary Arguments
Early Evolutionary Psychologists
An Argument For Evolutionary Psychology
The Future of Evolutionary Psychology
Works Cited
From the Paper
"If all learning were innate then the newborn would be born with all of the knowledge that it would ever need for the rest of its life. Our learning goes beyond the acquisition of our basic needs. It is possible to surmise that for an in fact there is some innate learning that has taken place. However, babies do not know how to read a book, play chess, drive a car, or build a house. They must learn these skills through other means. Everything that we know is not coded into our genes. We must acquire it through various teachers."
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Evolutionary Social Change, 2002.
A comparative analysis of theories of Karl Marx and Herbert Spencer concerning social evolution.
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 9 sources, $ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at understanding the nature of evolutionary social change in Marx by a direct comparison with Spencer, the ultimate social evolutionist. The theories of Karl Marx and Herbert Spencer concerning social evolution are very different. Marx tends to consider the social group while Spencer considers the individual to a larger extent; however, the theorists both deal with society as a whole rather than individual members and both provide a theory influenced by evolutionary theory.
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Evolutionary Mass Extinctions, 2002.
This paper discusses in detail the changes in environment over time that caused mass extinction of animals such as the dinosaurs.
4,290 words (approx. 17.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 113.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the fossil records tell us that, through out the geological history of earth, mass extinctions have been the norm rather than the exception. This paper states that a better understanding of the role extinction plays in evolution is essential. The author concludes that human beings are uniquely adaptable; they invent procedures as medicine that give them extended control over their environments.
From the Paper
"Of course, the most famous extinction event is that of the dinosaurs, about 65 million years ago. Such events appear in the fossil record as far back as Precambrian time when it is believed that life first began. Ideas of mass extinction has been an issue of controversy between many geologists towards the idea that it is related to intermittent catastrophes such as the striking of the earth's surface by a large asteroid or comet. Many paleontologists and evolutionary theorists reject such ideas and believe them to be unjustified."
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