Mechanism of Evolution acting on plant Linanthus Parryae

Instructor\'s guidelines: (Detailed guidelines and instructions, the assigned reading paper, and the grading rubric will be attached as a file) - Please follow the instructor\'s guidelines and grading rubric carefully and precisely. Topic: This assignment will be based on a study of the flowering plant Linanthus parryae entitled “Spatial differentiation for flower color in the desert annual Linanthus parryae: was Wright right?” by D. Schemske and P. Bierzychudek (paper pdf on Connect). Populations of L. parryae include plants with either white or blue flowers, and local populations often differ greatly in the frequency of these two colour morphs. Genetic drift was initially proposed as the evolutionary mechanism causing this spatial differentiation in flower colour. Assignment: Read the portion of the L. parryae paper assigned below and then build an argument explaining (in your own words) which evolutionary mechanism is the most likely explanation, based on the evidence presented in the study, for the pattern of flower colour in L. parryae. My personal instructions: - Introduction should start with background information with the definition of evolution and its mechanisms (genetic drift, mutation, natural selection and gene flow). Halfway through the introductory paragraph, the species and the discussed studies in the assigned paper are introduced (i.e. the controversial argument, why is it controversial?). Last, based on minimum two-three evidences (stated briefly), the thesis statement should be addressed. - The Main body (argument): Each paragraph should target each evidence, with little background on the evidence, why this evidence supports our hypothesis but not the opposing argumentative studies. - Conclusion: Should address how all the previously discussed evidence support the hypothesis. Last note: Please follow the instructor\\\'s guide to reference style.

Short Opinion Paper: General Writing Guidelines
Biol 336
W2014
The following guidelines apply to both Short Opinion Papers you will write this term. Each paper will be marked according to the marking rubric on Connect. If you have any questions, please ask your TA.
Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course you will be able to:
•    Interpret primary scientific literature and evaluate the merit of the research.
•    Demonstrate scientific writing skills (i.e., writing that is clear, concise and precise).
•    Express an opinion based on your evaluation of the literature that you can justify using strong arguments backed by evidence.
•    Identify and connect the general evolutionary concepts taught in lecture with the evidence that supports them and their application found in the primary literature.
Length and Format: Each paper should be approx. 500 words. Use 12-point font and double-spacing.
Structure and Style: A short opinion paper (a.k.a., position paper) presents your opinion about an arguable issue. The goal is to convince your audience that your opinion has merit. The most convincing papers have clear arguments supported by evidence. Your paper should include the following:
Introduction: A few sentences to give an overview of the topic.
Thesis statement: A one-sentence statement of your opinion of the topic. (20% of your paper's mark)
Argument paragraphs (2 to 3): Each paragraph presents one piece of evidence and explains how the evidence supports the thesis statement. No direct quotes, put these in your own words.
Conclusion: A brief statement that summarizes your opinion based on the arguments presented (do not simply restate your thesis statement).
Citation standard:
A.    The standard for in text citations is as follows:
-    Smith and Smith (2003) suggested that dolphins and whales hate swimming.
-    Despite their depiction in children's cartoons, fish do not possess the anatomical feature of eyelids (Christie et al. 1807; Johnson and Cardova 1811; Michaels 1904). - papers cited are in chronological order from oldest to most recent.
B.    Citations should be referenced at the end of the paper. You may have references from different types of sources (e.g., books, journal articles, websites). Please put your references in alphabetical order by first author.
References from different types of sources should be formatted as follows:
-    Book:
Zimmer, C. and Emlen, D. J. 2013. Evolution: Making Sense of Life. Roberts and Company Publishers, Inc.: Greenwood Village, CO.
-    Journal Article:
Morris, D.B., Richard, K.R. and Wright, J.M. 1996. Microsatellites from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and their use for genetic study of salmonids. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 53:120-126.
-    Website:
Paoli, J. 2013. Herpes to the Rescue: A New Form of Cancer Treatment that Utilizes Viruses. Scitable by Nature Education. Retrieved January 17, 2014 from: http://www(dot)nature(dot)com/scitable/blog/viruses101/herpes_to_the_rescue_a
C.    When you first discuss a particular organism, cite their scientific name in italics with the genus and species name. For example, 'Gene expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is...'. From the second mention onward, you can abbreviate by shortening the genus name, e.g., 'Reduced gene expression in O. mykiss occurred when.'

Short Opinion Paper: Assignment 1
Due date: Feb. 27th in class
Topic: This assignment will be based on a study of the flowering plant Linanthusparryae entitled "Spatial differentiation for flower color in the desert annual Linanthus parryae : was Wright right?" by D. Schemske and P. Bierzychudek (paper pdf on Connect). Populations of L. parryae include plants with either white or blue flowers, and local populations often differ greatly in the frequency of these two colour morphs. Genetic drift was initially proposed as the evolutionary mechanism causing this spatial differentiation in flower colour.
Assignment: Read the portion of the L. parryae paper assigned below and then build an argument explaining (in your own words) which evolutionary mechanism is the most likely explanation, based on the evidence presented in the study, for the pattern of flower colour in L. parryae.
Assignment details:
Reading: Reading the entire paper is recommended. However, the most important sections for this assignment are: Abstract; Introduction; Materials and Methods ("The study system"); Results ("Do blue-and white-flowered individuals have similar performance?"; Discussion (the first one and a half pages of this section, up to, but not including, the section on "Pleiotropy and mechanisms of selection"); Figures 3 & 6. [A total of about 6 12 pages]
Structure: In your paper, be sure to include appropriate background information for your thesis, at least two arguments (backed by evidence) to support your thesis, and a brief conclusion.
Length: Approx. 500 words (maximum 600 words)
Terminology: You can treat "allozyme frequency" as a stand-in for allele frequency. (You are not responsible for the meaning of Qst, Fst AFLPs, or RAPDs)
Read the writing guidelines on Connect for more information about how to write a good Short Opinion Paper.
You will need to submit your paper to turnitin.com BEFORE it is due to hand in. Please include the submission ID from turnitin with your paper.