Ttopic choice: how cats became so widespread and numerous their wild/domestic double identity why they are particularly challenging as an invasive species cultural roles and views on cats companion animal ecology

250-300 words total as a file upload to this Assignment in Canvas. In order to respect Trisha’s time, please adhere to this word count! Grading guidelines are provided at the very bottom of this assignment. Your response is automatically scanned into Turnitin (plagiarism and AI scanning software embedded into Canvas) when you do this; please do not repeat the prompt in your answer (Turnitin will flag as too similar language). You may not use generative AI (i.e. ChatGPT) for this assignment. The Goal Like dogs, cats have hung around human settlements for thousands of years. Unlike dogs, however, cats are often considered “semi-domesticated” with a wide range of behavioral variation and degree of association with humans, which is worth exploring further, especially when considering how to manage contemporary cat populations. For this assignment: First, watch this short video on cats: How We Domesticated Cats (Twice); PBS Eons; Nov 6, 2019; 8:12 https://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=CYPJzQppANoLinks to an external site. Next, read this article on modern cats: *This article is in the attachment* Finally, write a short essay (250-300 words) considering how the ancient history of cats has shaped their current role in human societies and their ecological impacts. (1) Select one of the themes listed below OR pose a new one. Please be clear in your essay about which one theme you are selecting, and make it clear how it articulates with the video and article. (2) Explain/describe/define the theme; discuss an example, if appropriate. (3) Using the video, article, and/or lecture, discuss if/how our knowledge of ancient cats and the processes of their "domestication" could inform modern cat population management. Themes we identified: how cats became so widespread and numerous their wild/domestic double identity why they are particularly challenging as an invasive species cultural roles and views on cats companion animal ecology any other appropriate topic you may wish to highlight. **Please note that you only have to discuss one theme. This will allow you to discuss your chosen theme in more detail.** **Please note that your response will be strengthened by clearly incorporating the resources that we are providing, e.g. making it clear that you have watched the video. Please also note that a works cited/reference page is NOT required for assignments in this course IF you are discussing resources provided to you in the assignment, although if there are multiple resources (videos) you should indicate which one you are drawing information from. However, if you discuss something from an outside resource, please DO fully cite this outside resource as Turnitin will flag your assignment for similarity/possible plagiarism. Click here to learn more about how to avoid plagiarism. Please let us know if you have any questions. Grading guidelines 5 pts = The theme that you are exploring is clearly indicated, and you have provided supporting points for your response. The essay is well written: flows in a logical order, sentences are clear, and grammar and punctuation are mostly correct. You have linked back to the video and article. 4 pts = You have a main theme and supporting point, but the essay may be not as well written as an 5 point paper - the organization is less clear, the writing is confusing, there are many grammar and punctuation mistakes. 3 pts = You may have a theme, but it is not well articulated. You have provided minimal supporting information. It is unclear if you have watched the video or read the article. 2 pts = Your main point is not clear, and you have not supported your point. 1 pt = I really hope that we don’t go this low, because this essay was turned in but doesn’t have anything to do with the prompt!! You aren't talking about the video or the article. 0 pts = you didn’t turn it in!!!!