The Origin of Religion

I've got a project to do for school, and I thought I'd get anon's input. The topic I've chosen is The Origin of Religion. Now, don't get the wrong idea, this doesn't mean I think all religion came from one source, I just haven't been able to come up with a better title. Basically, I'm going at this with a purely scientific standpoint, looking at the reasons religions are formed, how they evolve, and why they've lasted so long. I'll also include some of the first instances of religion and why were how they were.

So far, I have the most functions of religion as:
To help give moral support.
To keep a stable social structure.
To "motivate" people.

These are, of course, a bit simplistic, but I think I've come close. If anyone has objections, changes, or anything else regarding this project, I'd be very much obliged if you'd submit them in a civil manner.

There was a study recently of how some smarter birds develop superstition to random feeding.

if they are flapping their wings randomly as food comes they start flapping when they want food. Like they think it helps the food arrive, a baseless falsehood. But in a more natural setting perhaps not so. Random flapping might loosen food from trees or something so it is a natural advantage.

But even with no reenforcement habits and superstition presents. I think that these are the precursors to religion.

Obviously, reenforcement just causes learning, and the useless actions lessen or disappear.

I'll get on the scientific journal search engines and try to find the report... maybe.