AP Biology Summer Assignment 2015-2016
Mrs. O’ Rourke
Jennifer.O’Rourke@rtsd.org
This summer assignment includes:
1. Reading Chapter 19 of your text.
2. Reading Survival of the Sickest by Dr. Sharon Moalem
3. Reflecting on what you have learned by writing a paper that follows the directions below.
The summer assignment is due Wednesday September 9th.
Directions for the paper:
Requirements: Typed, 12 font, 1.5 spacing. Your name should appear in the top right hand
corner of the first page, no cover page is required.
The “paper” is really a series of free response questions divided into two parts. The paper will be
divided into three sections: The Theory of Evolution and you, reactions to the book Survival of the
Sickest and a conclusion. The body of the paper should not have a beginning, middle or end and
there should be no transitions between the different sections of the paper. These should be
college level responses that are well synthesized and concise. To earn the maximum points be
sure to support your statements with specific examples from the book or the text. Please note
that quoting the book without explaining the context of the quote as well as the scientific
principle behind it is insufficient.
Part One: The Theory and You (To Be Completed Prior to Reading Survival of the Sickest)

Before reading Survival of the Sickest, read Chapter 19 of your text Descent with
Modification. This chapter will review your knowledge of Evolution and Natural Selection.

State the scientific theory of evolution and the mechanism(s) that control the evolutionary
process. Your response to this question should reflect what you have read in Chapter 19.
Three paragraph maximum.

Evolution and Religion. Does the scientific theory of Evolution conflict with your religious
or spiritual beliefs? If so, how do you reconcile the conflict? If there is no conflict explain
how science aligns with your beliefs. Please answer this question
Part Two: The Evidence

Begin by discussing the four tenants of Dr. Moalem’s book. (pg. XIV and XV).

Then for each chapter (there are 8) discuss the following:
1. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the disease (what is the mechanism of the
disease?) Be specific as to its affect on humans in your discussion.
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AP Biology Summer Assignment O’Rourke 2015-2016
2. Discuss the historical perspective of the disease. (Ex. How was it diagnosed? What was
the impact on the human population?)
3. Summarize the evolutionary advantage of the specific disease?
4. State your questions about the topic and list the aspect of the chapter that you found
most fascinating.
Note: Your statements must be supported with evidence from the book. Supporting your ideas with
factual information is both a requirement for the paper and a theme that will be reiterated
throughout all of your tests next year.
Part Three: Conclusion

In Dr. Moalem’s closing thoughts he suggests that the perspective presented in the book
might “reorient you”. Has it? If so, please share in what way and why? This section is the
part of the paper where you share a piece of yourself. The “evidence” for this statement
comes from your own life experiences and what you have taken away from the book
Please note that I can be contacted during the summer via email. This is a fantastic book! If
possible read each chapter first just for the pleasure of reading. Then go back and use it as a
resource as you write your responses. The great thing is that you can do this one chapter at a
time. I hope that you share this book with your family and friends and that it becomes part of
your dinner conversations.
Sincerely,
Mrs. O’Rourke
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AP Biology Summer Assignment O’Rourke 2015-2016