Abstract This paper discusses the form of evolution known as punctuated equilibrium. The paper contends that punctuated equilibrium appears to be increasingly proving itself as the most appropriate model for explaining evolution. The paper defines punctuated equilibrium as a theory that still holds to the idea of generational change, but suggests that it happens relatively quickly (geologically speaking). The paper explains that even if one is a creationist and does not believe in macro-level evolution, one must admit that micro-evolution has been proved to exist in a way that can only be explained as punctuated equilibrium.
From the Paper "Evolutionists for generations after Darwin imagined a slow and steady process of adaptation, in which daily culling and breeding success very gradually adapted a population from one form into another. Such a process would not be dissimilar to unnatural selection, such as that done with domesticated animals, that gradually worked to change a wolf into a little Cairn Terrier or Shih Tzu. However, some have suggested that there might be a more sudden sort of change involved, in which evolution moves suddenly and with great speed. This theorized form of evolution, called punctuated equilibrium, has been widely debated, but seems to be increasingly accepted by scientists. There appears to be evidence for punctuated equilibrium from laboratory experiments, from field and fossil evidence, from theory and even from Darwin's original work."
Abstract This paper discusses the two major theories for evolution of organisms and speciation: phyletic gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. It then discusses the fossil evidence that support both phyletic gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. The paper concludes that it would seem that the theory of punctuated equilibrium would seem more appropriate to explain what we observe as the results of macroevolution.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Debate between Phyletic Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium
Fossil Evidence that support both Phyletic Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium
Opinion
From the Paper "A second example involves Melanopsis fossilis and Melanopsis vindobensis, melanopsis belongs to a species of freshwater mollusk. Several intermediates were found between the two. The presence of the intermediates gave rise to the question whether this was an example of gradualism. (Geary 1992) However, since gradualism theorizes that speciation takes place at the level of a population and not the individual, this notion was defeated because the parent, daughter and intermediates were all found in the same river beds, in the sediment. Researchers theorized that the intermediates were really hybrids between the parent and daughter species."
Abstract This paper discusses the vowelization of God's name in the Bible. It begins by discussing punctuation in the Bible, particularly in the Hebrew scriptures. It then compares this use of grammar to other ancient languages. It discusses the evolution of the grammatical system, leading up to the system called 'Masoretic Hebrew' punctuation at the end of the twelfth century. The paper discusses in detail the different grammatical forms of God's name, particularly the Masoretes' vowelization of His name.
From the Paper "When Jesus Christ was on the Earth, spending his Earthly life, he would always appeal to the very words of the Old Testament, and this was taken to be indicative of the fact that Jesus Christ himself approved of this version of the text, and that it had been exactly and accurately transmitted. This Old Testament was the version that was favored and used by the ancient Jews, and it was also considered to be an extremely trustworthy version of what had been originally written by Moses. The Old Testament books as they appear in the Hebrew Bible are actually divided into three distinct groups, and they are: the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. It was the priests that were given the innate responsibility of preserving the texts, and this was because of the fact that these individuals were considered to be the divinely appointed guardians and the teachers of the Law. (Forever Settled: A Survey of the Documents and the History of the Bible)"
Abstract This paper examines how poems are one of the most powerful ways to convey an idea, message or opinion and how the poem "Dulce et Decorum Est", a war poem by Wilfred Owen, makes effective use of these devices. It looks at how Owen's use of precise diction emphasizes his point, showing that war is a horrible and devastating event and how his use of extremely graphic images adds more to his argument. It also analyzes Owen's use of punctuation to create texture in the poem in order to express strong meaning and a persuasive argument of the dark side of war.
From the Paper "The author's use of excellent diction helps to clearly define what the author is saying. (Fulwiler and Hayakawa 163) Powerful verbs like "guttering", "choking", and "drowning" not only show how the man is suffering, but that he is in a great deal of pain that no human being should endure. Other words like "writhing" and "froth-corrupted" hint to exactly how the man is being tormented by his enemy, as well as himself. The phrase "blood shod" forces the image of men who have been on their feet for days, never stopping to rest long enough to recuperate. "
Abstract This paper explains that written communications, via memos, emails, presentation speeches, and even evaluations, are a mainstay in any corporate environment and are used in day-to-day affairs. The author points out that the the basic elements of writing are style, punctuation, and avoidance of the use of clich's or jargon. The paper relates that the more clear-cut and well-defined the writing, the less room there is for misinterpretation leading to later problems.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Effective Written Communication
Conclusions
From the Paper "Having good writing skills and abilities will also facilitate improved oral communications among employees. Those employees that are able to put their thoughts down on paper accurately and precisely are more likely to engage in oral communication that is directed and focused. Because of this one of the skills that might be considered for inclusion in the workshop might be translating written word into oral communications."
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."
Abstract This paper uses the first two strophes from Act III's aria, "Possente spirito", to demonstrate the brilliant fusion of musical organization with emotional expression in Claudio Monteverdi's 1607 opera "Orfeo". The author points out that the fierce turbulence in Monteverdi's personal life is reflected in the plot of the opera. The paper relates that the opening two strophes, of which the text is quoted in the paper, are accompanied by basso continuo with parts of the first strophe punctuated by two violins and similar punctuation in the second strophe performed by two cornets. The author states that other strophes end in a brief ritornello. The paper explains that, for the vocal style, Monteverdi employs stile rappresentativo, or "the representational style", to convey the passions behind Orpheo's impending request to be allowed into Hades.
From the Paper "The spirit of these dotted eighth--sixteenth notes also effectively predicate the final line in the second strophe as Orfeo forwards the argument that since having lost his wife, he has no heart and cannot be alive, and therefore his entrance into Hades would be legitimate. Posing this argument to the ferrymen, Monteverdi paints a picture of Orfeo as coy as he is courageous. The composer makes the conclusion of Orfeo's question also a facetious question, after the preceding phrases in the cornets. It is difficult to hear Orfeo's final line of the second strophe without imagining the demi-god trying to conceal a little grin."
Abstract This essay describes in detail the method of writing a paper for school. The writer describes how to choose a subject, research and then write about the subject. The essay also explains how to make the paper flow by using an introduction, content and conclusion.
From the Paper "The final step is editing. The writer must go through the paper and read it word for word to be sure the grammar; spelling and punctuation are used correctly. The in text citations must follow the same style throughout the paper and the writer should be sure the thesis statement is proven throughout the paper. The bibliography is then prepared and should also adhere to the teacher's specifications."
This paper discusses Darwin's evolutionist' theory of natural selection: Historical/scientific background (Lamarckianism & Malthusianism), "The Origin of Species", influences and punctuated equilibrium.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 8 sources, 1994, $ 79.95
From the Paper "More than a century after his death, and four generations after the publication of his chief work, The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin remains possibly the most controversial scientist in the world. His name is inextricably associated with the debate (now a political and cultural one, not a scientific one) that continues to swirl around the theory of evolution, a theory that deeply shook the Western view of humanity and its place in the world.
We conventionally speak simply of the theory of evolution, leaving off the explanatory phrase, "through natural selection." At most, perhaps, the general public has heard of "survival of the fittest"--an unfortunate phrase, since fitness in everyday usage is associated primarily with physical conditioning and athletic ability. "Survival of the most suited to its ... "
Abstract A close reading of a passage is different than analyzing a portion of text, yet it is similar in many ways. "The candles dropped hot, acrid gouts of wax on my bare shoulders. I watched with my furious cynicism peculiar to women whom circumstances force mutely to witness folly, while my father, fired in his desperation by more and yet more draughts of the fire water they call "grappa", rids himself of the last scraps of my inheritance. When we left Russia, we owned black earth, blue forest with bear and wild boar, serfs, cornfields, farmyards, my beloved horses, white nights of cool summer, the fireworks of the northern lights. What a burden all those possessions must have been to him, because he laughs as if with glee as he beggars himself; he is in such a passion to donate all to The Beast." This paper does a close reading of the above text. It discusses punctuation, diction, features of sound, sentence types, and the sense the speaker gives to the passage.
Abstract This paper will examine the history of South Africa in the twentieth century. With an emphasis upon its recent history, it will be argued that we may understand the history of the resistance against Apartheid only by appreciating its complexity. It will begin with a discussion of the origins of the racist state in 1910, and early responses to racist oppression on the part of groups such as the African National Congress that was formed in 1912. It will be shown how this resistance gradually evolved from peaceful protest to violent struggle in reaction to the casual brutalities of the racist system, which was punctuated by random atrocities such as the Sharpeville Massacre. It will be seen that the resistance against Apartheid was also fought on other fronts; most significantly in the form of the economic pressure and sanctions exerted against the regime by both domestic and foreign opponents.
Abstract This paper discusses the life and works of Nobel Prize-winning author, Rudyard Kipling. The paper presents a brief biography of Kipling's youth in India, his marriage, and family life. The paper contends that his life experiences shaped much of his work. The scope of Kipling's work allows us to see how he was influenced by his personal experiences. He was able to draw from his experiences and punctuate them with realism and imaginative qualities. The paper provides reference to some of his literary works, specifically to his most famous, "The Jungle Book".
From the Paper "From very early in his life Rudyard Kipling's experiences would influence his writing. Kipling was born in Bombay, India on December 30, 1865. During this time, the country was controlled by Victorian England. Kipling's father was an artisan who moved the family to India intentionally "to India purposefully to encourage, support, and restore native Indian art against the incursions of British business interests" (Cantalupo). These early Indian experiences would later reappear in many of his works. As a young man, Kipling attended the United Services College in Devonshire, where he became inspired to read and write. He once traveled with his father to France, which "sparked in him a lifelong interest in that country and its people" (Sullivan 8). Because his parents did not have enough money to send Kipling to Oxford, he returned to India to write for a newspaper for the Civil and Military Gazette in Bombay, a career that lasted seven years. During this time, he also began writing short stories and poems."
Abstract This paper explains that communicating through words can be more concrete than through verbal communications, with less room for error and even less room for mistakes, which presents written communicators with new challenges, including spelling, grammar, the tone of their writing, punctuation, writing style, and even actual wording. The author points out that time is in short supply for most business professionals; therefore, organization is crucial. Outlines are an invaluable aid to writing a lengthy report or memo. This paper stresses that, when writing documents that are of significant length, it is important to use headings, subheadings, and bullets to keep the information organized and allow the reader to follow along. It enables the writer to keep thoughts and important information organized.
From the Paper "Why put things in writing? One obvious reason is that it is more convenient and less costly than face-to-face communications, particularly where distance is involved. But often there is simply no substitute for written communication-for example, describing a firm's unique product or service to a customer, reporting the results of an organization's study of employee turnover, or announcing an important change in company policy. Written communications provide valuable records for an organization without which it simply could not function."
Abstract This paper explains that, in Jewett's "The Country of the Pointed Firs", the speaker's romantic narration is studded with realistic descriptions and the characters give a realist portrayal of their town punctuated with romanticism, which introduces a tension between the different perspectives. The author points out that the use of a third person establishes a certain distance between the narrator and the village; she appreciates it like a connoisseur might an ancient painting. The paper relates that the naive narrator of the beginning, who renders a romanticized depiction of what for her is a place of the past, was in conflict with the more knowledgeable locals, who see it realistically; yet, as the young writer observes more, her narrative becomes more realist and thus closer to that of the Dunnet Landingers, who see a once great town reduced.
From the Paper "The narrator sees Dunnet Landing in romantic ways but there is a definite realism in her depiction of society there. She describes a funeral procession, an ancient and universal rite, as "futile and helpless on the edge of the rocky shore."(8) Her relationships, while sometimes shown positively (40), are just as often shown in a negative light, as on page 8 when she says, "I did not really belong to Dunnet Landing." Admittedly, the speaker makes this remark nearer to the beginning of her stay, yet even much later she says of the Bowden family reunion, "One sees exactly the same types in a country gathering as in the most brilliant city company. You are safe to be understood if the spirit of your speech is the same for one neighbor as for the other."(72) Besides the conversational insult, by linking the Bowdens with the city, she puts a fair distance between them and the nature which she romanticizes."
