Instructions:

This is an essay Midterm. You should choose 4 out of 5 essay questions to answer. This is an opportunity for you to synthesize your readings and discussions into coherent essays. You should aim for one to two well developed paragraphs in order to properly answer each question. Before beginning consult the writing expectations and the grading rubric. These are listed in the Syllabus as well as below. Your essays will be evaluated based on the criteria in the grading rubric. When you finish your Midterm you must submit your Midterm.

Each question is worth 25 points for a total of 100 possible points. Credit will not be awarded for completing five questions. If you complete all five essay questions, I will grade the first four.

You may access the Midterm more than once and make multiple submissions up until the deadline. Midterms must be submitted by the deadline in order to earn credit.

Take-Home Essay Midterm Questions (Choose 4 of 5):

1) The subfields of anthropology seem quite diverse in their specific subjects and methods. Why, then, are they all considered parts of the single discipline of anthropology? What ties them together?

2) The concept of descent with modification, or evolution, has a great deal of evidence in its support. Indicate the major types of evidence.

3) In what ways is the human primate a typical primate? In what ways is the human primate unique?

4) Distinguish between members of genus Australopithecus and Paranthropus in terms of time, location, and physical features.

5) Explain why variation in skin color is of no use in defining human races.