Homework
assignments
Due Wednesday, February 25
Turn in questions #7-9 of the practice population genetics problems. Download the key.
Due Monday, February 23
Turn in questions #4-6 of the practice population genetics problems. | Download the key.
Due Wednesday, February 18
Read the section titled "Using Molecular Clocks: When Did Humans Start Wearing Clothes" in Chapter 4 (p. 132 - 133). Then, read the source article:
Kittler et al (2003): Molecular evolution of Pedicularis humanus and the origin of clothing. Current Biology. 13:1414-1417.
and answer the following questions (typed, double-spaced):
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Evaluate the assumption that the origin of body lice reflects the origin of clothing. To what extent do you agree that this assumtion is valid? Explain.
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What evidence suggests that the origin of clothing is correlated with the expansion of humans out of Africa?
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The molecular clock calculations are based on the finding from the fossil record that chimpanzees and humans diverged from their shared common ancestor about 5.5 million years ago. More recent work has suggested that the split occurred earlier, perhaps as recently as 4 million years ago (see news article). How does this change affect the estimated date for the origin of clothing (i.e., does it make it earlier or later)? Explain.
Due Monday, February 16
Turn questions #1-3 of the practice population genetics problems. | Download the key.
Due Friday, January 30
Answer question #2 at the end of Chapter 2 (page 68).
Due Wednesday, January 28
Prepare for discussion on evolution and religion (download assignment handout).
Due Monday, January 19
Read the following article:
Galvani, A. P., and Slatkin, M. (2003). Evaluating plague and smallpox as historical selective pressures for the CCR5-Δ32 HIV-resistance allele. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 100(25):15276-15279.
and answer the following questions:
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Summarize the authors' evidence in support of smallpox (as opposed to the Bubonic plague) as the selection pressure for increasing the frequency of the CCR5-Δ32 HIV-resistance allele.
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Evaluate the authors' conclusions. Do you agree with them? Why or why not?
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How could you (realistically and ethically) investigate the extent to which the CCR5-Δ32 allele confers resistance to smallpox?
