The exam will be based on the terms, data, concepts and theories described in the course textbook chapters 7 – 12 & 16. The exam will consist of two essay questions worth 25 points each. You will have sixty (60) minutes to complete the exam. Once the exam has been opened, it must be completed. Room will be provided on the exam for you to write your essays. Below are three (3) possible essay questions of which two (2) will appear on the exam.
Please review the “Understanding Assignments/Questions” link located in the located within the Textbook, Tutorials & APA Resources module for tips on how to answer the questions completely and correctly.
In your responses, do not directly quote the textbook, article or “copy and paste” information from other sources without citing them properly. Your answers to the questions of the exam need to reflect you’re your personal understanding of the information/data presented so do not overly rely on quotes. If you use a quote, specific wording, or fact(s) from the text, article, or other source you must cite and reference where you got the information from. Failure to cite information will be considered plagiarism (see ACADEMIC HONESTY AND PLAGIARISM section of the syllabus below). Please follow the APA Style when citing your sources and include a bibliography.
You do not need an opening paragraph or conclusion unless specified, just answer the prompts of essay question.
In regards to length/# of words required for your response, each response needs to be a minimum of 400 words and no more than 1000. You should also have at least three references for each response and you should definitely include information from the book (i.e., cite and reference the author(s) of the chapter(s) used.
Your responses are to represent your personal understanding on the course material so do not overly rely on outside sources although they can and should be used for examples. Good luck and study well.
Possible Essay Questions:
1. Compare and contrast the gracile and robust australopithecines (Paranthropus). Discuss and describe the differences between these two taxons in regards to their dates/temporal ranges, number of species, geographic locations, important fossil evidence, anatomical traits, bipedalism, paleoenvironment, and their significance/importance to our understanding of hominid evolution. Which specific species of australopith do you think is the most recent ancestor to the genus of Homo and why? Please use specific examples/facts in your response as well as the proper terminology.
2. Describe and discuss three major trends (anatomical, physiological, behavioral or ecological) in primate evolution from the origin of the order in the Eocene to the radiation of the apes in the Miocene (i.e., do not discuss hominins). Be sure to describe how these trends evolved/changed from during course of primate evolution (from the Eocene to the Miocene. Please use specific examples/facts in your response as well as the proper terminology.
3. Describe and discuss three skeletal traits (cranial and/or post-cranial) unique to modern humans (AMHS). When and where do these traits emerge in the fossil record? Be sure to include site names/regions and dates. Describe and discuss three behavioral/archaeological traits/trends of modern humans. When and where do these traits/trends emerge in the archaeological record? Be sure to include site names/regions and dates. Does this evidence support the Assimilation Model for human origins? Why or why not? Please use specific examples/facts in your response as well as the proper terminology.
ANSWERING ESSAY QUESTIONS ON ARTICLE/MOVIE REVIEWS AND EXAMS:
Your responses are to be in complete sentences and address the question directly and completely. You should also use examples/evidence from class materials and Internet when necessary to illustrate your understanding of the question (see Anthropology 101 Article/Video Rubric in the syllabus for grading details).
In your responses, do not directly quote the textbook, article or “copy and paste” information from other sources without citing them properly. Your answers to the essay questions need to reflect you’re your personal understanding of the information/data presented. If you use a quote, specific wording, or fact(s) from the text, article, or other source you must cite/reference where you got the information from. Failure to cite information will be considered plagiarism (see ACADEMIC HONESTY AND PLAGIARISM section of the syllabus below). Please follow the APA Style when citing your sources and include a bibliography if needed.
You do not need an opening paragraph or conclusion unless specified, just answer the prompts of essay question.
In regards to length/# of words required for your response, your response needs to be a minimum of 400 words and no more than 1000. You need to have at least three different references for each of your responses and you should definitely include information from the book (i.e., cite and reference the author(s) of the chapter(s) used.
Your responses need to represent your personal understanding on the course material so do not overly rely on outside sources although they can and should be used for examples.
