Oct. 10 Preliminary bibliography and outline to me. Rough drafts returned with reviews. This paper is intended as an in-depth report of your topic. In your literature search pay attention to the style and format of the references that you use.
Scientific literature is basically of two types, primary and secondary.
Primary literature comprises reports of previously unpublished, original research and is typical of journals such as G.S.A. Bulletin, Journal of Paleontology, Palaeontology, Palaeos, Science, Nature, etc. Primary literature may also include special volumes or books published by various scholarly societies, universities, research organizations, individuals, etc. Secondary scientific literature, typical of periodicals such as Natural History, Scientific American, Discover, Science Digest, etc., are popularized reviews or essays which summarize the state of knowledge, or some school of thought, on a particular subject. Textbooks and similar summative works typically fall into the category of secondary literature. They are usually based on information previously published in some primary source.