Final Paper (100 pts.) Topic #2: Primatology Choose one monkey or ape and focus on a particular social behavior or topic OR choose one topic in primatology and use examples from different primates. The paper should include a basic description of the monkey(s)/ape(s) and their environment. Behaviors or topics could include (but not limited to): territorial behavior; differences in gender roles; language/communication; any studies of “culture” among the specific species; diversity of a single species (eg lemurs on Madagascar); tool making/use; child rearing; social organization; effects of tourism/logging/urban sprawl etc.. You may also discuss any other topic you find. The paper must discuss at least 4 specific studies on the topic you choose (these will be 4 of your 5 required sources).
Four examples may include, but are not limited to, four different studies on the impacts of tourism on gorillas; four different studies on tool use among chimpanzees; looking at language use among four different primates (gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutan)
Topic #3: Early Hominins Choose one early hominin that was not discussed during a group presentation OR one topic in hominin evolution. If you choose this topic you CANNOT write on the hominin you were assigned for your group project. This paper should include: their place in time- both a geological age, but also where they fall in the evolution of hominins; and geographic locations where specimens have been found. You may also want to discuss social behaviors we know to be associated with the species, a basic overview of their anatomy and how it is similar or different from modern humans. After you choose your hominin you need to choose a thesis topic such as tool making, art, cannibalism, or hunting. If you choose a single topic (Choice 2) you may discuss multiple hominins in the one paper (e.g. the evolution of stone tools, or possible seafaring by early hominins). This paper must include a discussion of at least 4 different sites or specimens (these can be 4 of your 5 required sources).
Four examples may be, but not limited to, evidence of cannibalism at four different
Neanderthal sites; four different H. erectus skeletons; four studies on four different specific aspects of H. floresiensis; four different hominin sites with evidence of early tool use.
Topic #4: Your Choice (MUST BE CLEARED WITH ME PRIOR TO THE DUE DATE) If you want to write on a topic not listed above please contact me so we can discuss the details.
PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR IF YOU NEED HELP CHOOSING A TOPIC.
