EDST 391: H. sapiens: What does it mean to be “human”?
Name:
Date:
"Calendar"
Assignment for
Day 4
Reading for Day 4
Writing assignment; you will turn this in
-
Much of the chapter described the tradeoffs--the interdependent
changes--that are required for a species to evolve a bigger brain.
Please describe the major
tradeoffs involved. They may be developmental and behavioral as well as
physiological.
- This interdependent evolution of a whole suite of
species-typical traits
is often referred to as the species' "life history." If we
look at humans from this perspective, what makes Homo sapiens
sapiens
distinct from other species?
Not to turn in, but be prepared to discuss:
- How do scientists go about
figuring out what happened during evolution eons ago, long before
recorded time?
There are many examples in the chapter of
kinds of data and logic used. How do they test their speculations, and
how lightly should we (and they) hold their conclusions?
Guidance: How long should written answers be?
-
Be concise. This is not a 5-paragraph essay with intro and conclusion.
Just be direct, with no extra fluff. Go straight to the heart of the
answer. The more direct and concise you are and still effectively
answer, the more I know you saw or thought about what was most
important. Length cannot substitute for clarity of thought and insight.
-
Some students like to make a list if a question calls for examples, as
does the first question. Some like paragraph form--one or two for each
question.
- And remember that you are welcome to type directly onto a downloaded
copy of the assignment.