Last update: November 4, 2004
TERM PAPER
Each member of the class will be required to prepare a written report on some fossil invertebrate(s). The report may deal with aspects of taxonomy, ecology, evolution, etc.
EXECUTION:
Specimens - Specimens of the selected taxon should be in the possession of the student and are normally collected as part of the required field trip for the course. The instructor(s) may ask that the specimens be donated to the department. This will only be done if the specimens are unique, but you should not use specimens that you are not prepared to part with. Special arrangements must be made in advance if you wish to report on specimens that are not collected as part of this class or are not available for donation. Identify your specimens by working through the literature. This will include the Treatise, Jour. of Paleontology, etc. The specimens will be submitted to the instructor with the paper.
Length - The paper should be the equivalent of 3 to 5, double-spaced pages.
Format - Use as a style, a format similar to that which would be appropriate in a journal carrying articles like the one you are writing. Normally the Journal of Paleontology is a suitable model. Instructions on manuscript preparation may be found online at http://www.journalofpaleontology.org/instruct.htm. Reference style and citations in the text are to be dictated by the journal that you use as a model. The paper must include:
1. Title
2. Abstract
3. Introduction - including a list of systematics (synonymy).
4. Diagnosis - unique characteristics of the taxon.
5. Description - your description of the specimen.
6. Discussion - identification; history of taxon; relationship to similar taxa.
7. Map location and stratigraphic data for specimen(s).
8. Summary and Conclusions
9. Sketches or photographs of your specimen; w/ scale and appropriate labels.
10. References
Due Date - The due date is listed in SCHEDULE OF LAB EXERCISES. Your lab instructor may arrange for a different due date or time.