Describe the four basic causes of evolution: natural selection, mutation, genetic drift, and gene flow.

Describe the four basic causes of evolution: natural selection, mutation, genetic drift, and gene flow.

The paper should be 400- 500 words (~ 1 double-spaced, APA formatted page).  Refer to the attached document for the grading rubric.

Assignment for BIO120 Concepts in Biology

Unit 6 Causes of Evolution

Due: Midnight Sunday of Unit 6

Describe the four basic causes of evolution: natural selection, mutation, genetic drift, and gene flow.

The paper should be at least 400- 500 words (~ 1 double-spaced, APA formatted page).

Students: Be sure to read the criteria, by which your paper/project will be evaluated, before you write, and again after you write.

Evaluation Rubric for Unit 6 Causes of Evolution

	CRITERIA	Deficient (0 Points)	Proficient (1 Points)	Exemplary (2 Points)	Points Possible
1.	Describes natural selection and its contribution to evolution.	Does not describe natural selection.	Incorrectly or incompletely describes natural selection and its contribution to evolution.	Correctly describes natural selection and its contribution to evolution.	2
2.	Describes mutation and its contribution to evolution.	Does not describe mutation.	Incorrectly or incompletely describes mutation and its contribution to evolution.	Correctly describes mutation and its contribution to evolution.	2
3.	Describes genetic drift and its contribution to evolution.	Does not describe genetic drift.	Incorrectly or incompletely describes genetic drift and its contribution to evolution.	Correctly describes genetic drift and its contribution to evolution.	2
4.	Describes gene flow and its contribution to evolution.	Does not describe gene flow.	Incorrectly or incompletely describes gene flow and its contribution to evolution.	Correctly describes gene flow and its contribution to evolution.	2
5.	Grammar, spelling, and formatting	The essay does NOT follow the APA format guidelines or contains more than six grammatical errors or misspellings.	The essay follows the APA format guidelines but contains three to six grammatical errors or misspellings.	The essay follows the APA format guidelines and contains no more than three grammatical errors or misspellings.	2
6.	Clear and professional writing	Writing is not well-organized or cannot be easily followed or understood. Uses choppy or rambling sentences.	Writing is organized and can be followed, The essay contains effective transitions between sentences	Writing is clear, professional, and well-organized. Essay is can be easily followed and uses effective transitions between sentences	2
Total Points:	12