Biology Essay

Unit 2: Written Assignment (15%)
Introduction
Humans require macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and essential oils) and micronutrients (vitamins and
minerals) in their diets. Early humans obtained these nutrients through their hunting and gathering lifestyle.
However, once farming started, societies that practised agriculture outcompeted those that practiced hunting
and gathering. Today, humans are almost totally an agriculturally-based society, and so we get the vast
majority of our macronutrients and micronutrients through agriculture. Fishing, whaling, and sealing are the
exceptions to this, but their impacts are slowly being lessened due to the advent of fish farms and government
regulations.
Instructions
This assignment has two parts:
 Part A: Short Answer (18 marks)
 Part B: Essay (40 marks)

Your written assignments should follow APA or CSE formatting and citations. For guidance on the various
aspects of conducting research and writing research papers, consult the detailed information in the “Helpful
Hints” file.
Resources
Your Open Learning Faculty Member will either provide you with an article to read or help you choose one for
yourself. This article will address the cultivation of a particular crop species by early farmers. Read it and then
answer the following questions.
Part A: Short Answer (18 marks)

Answer the following six questions relating to your article and the readings from this unit. Answer in full
sentences and short paragraphs. Each question is worth 3 marks.
1. Why was the crop plant highlighted in your article chosen to be cultivated?
2. What nutritional value was provided by the crop?
3. How did the local population acquire the other nutrients they required?
4. How many people did the crop support?
5. Did the local farmers trade their crop with other communities? If so, what commodities were
imported?
6. Was the crop adopted by other communities? If so, how far did the crop spread?
Part B: Essay (40 marks)

Write an essay of 500–750 words (2–3 pages double-spaced) on the following topic; present the concepts in
your own words, and include current information:
The production of food, spices, dyes, and fragrances for our growing population impacts our environment,
economy, and culture, and this impact is felt locally, nationally, and globally. Choose one food product and
determine whether its production is harmful or beneficial to society. To argue your point, trace its historical
usage; determine its present and historical importance to society; and outline the impact of its production on
the environment and local culture. Consider whether its production is sustainable, and if it can be or is being
produced differently in other parts of the world.
Grading Criteria for Essays

Review the following grading criteria for your essays.
Substance
Criteria Weighting
The introduction offers a sense of direction for the paper and presents a clear /5
thesis statement to the reader.
The research paper provides evidence of critical thinking and analysis as well as /10
synthesis of researched information throughout, and presents a logical and
persuasive argument.
The body develops the necessary aspects of the main idea and provides /10
examples, support, or illustration for each aspect of the main idea.
The conclusion summarizes the main points and ties them to the thesis; it also /5
presents an impact statement and/or suggests direction for future research.
Total /30
Writing Style and Format
Criteria Weighting
Paragraphs are unified, developed, and coherent, with transitions between ideas. /2
Sentences are grammatically correct; words are chosen for accuracy and impact. /2
The writing follows the conventions of spelling and mechanics (punctuation, etc.). /1
The format follows the CSE or APA documentation style accurately and /2
consistently.
Research sources are relevant, current, and credible. At least three sources have /3
been used and are clearly documented in the paper.
Total /10

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Unit 2: Written Assignment (15%)

 Part A: Short Answer (18 marks)

 Part B: Essay (40 marks)

Part A: Short Answer (18 marks)

2. What nutritional value was provided by the crop?

4. How many people did the crop support?

Part B: Essay (40 marks)

Grading Criteria for Essays

Writing Style and Format

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