Goals:     The singular goal of a scientific paper is to communicate with clarity your study and
                    findings to the scientific community.  A helpful way to make decisions when crafting
                    your paper is 'What will be most useful in assisting the reader to understand my point?'
    
      Format:  A generalized format of a scientific paper is provided by the Lawn Deer manuscript.
                    The final draft should be typed, double-spaced text (including literature cited and
                    figure/table captions).  Each scientific journal has its own requirements for specific
                    format.  For ecology oriented courses, we recommend the Journal of Mammalogy as a
                    model.  Be consistent in your format.

      Style:     The style of writing used in scientific communication is somewhat different than one
                    might use when writing in another context.  A concise yet lucid style is preferred over
                    a more descriptive but verbose style.  Remember, the efforts are read by scientists
                    throughout the world, many of whom may not have complete command of the
                    language in which you publish.  Publication in scientific journals is also expensive and
                    each word does literally cost.  A succinct style of writing only is developed through
                    practice and thoughtful reflection on your writing and the writing of others.  A
                    successful strategy is to review of rough draft several times with your goal to cut
                    the length of the manuscript by 10-20% each time--you may not succeed but you will
                    be amazed at how close you will come to this goal on each review.  Review
                    recently published scientific literature to see what works and what does not.  Have your
                    friends and colleagues edit your manuscripts.  Visit the Writing Center for additional
                    review.  Most importantly take the comments of others as positive and constructive
                    criticism--work to address their concerns.