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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Malcolm consider the last 50,000 years to be in geological terms?

2. What does Levine have a reputation for being?

3. What two behaviors are of particular interest to the study of evolution?

4. According to the Biosyn spy, where is Dr. Grant now working?

5. What is the name of the man from Biosyn who is searching for the strange animals?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the "Edge of Chaos"?

2. As no map of the Costa Rican island exists, how is Levine conducting his reconnaissance on the island?

3. Why is Kelly thrilled to learn that Thorne will call Sarah Harding if he can't reach Levine on the sat phone?

4. When Thorne and the children arrive at Levine's apartment, name three items that they find.

5. Identify and describe the theory supported by the high levels of iridium at the K-T boundary.

6. In the 1970s, why could no one answer questions regarding the fragility of the earth's ecosystem?

7. What happens in the 1970s that leads scientists to wonder if human behavior could ultimately lead to extinction?

8. Why does the tissue sample that Malcolm sends to his contact at the zoo for analysis cause a stir at the zoo?

9. Describe Ian Malcolm's feelings regarding the theory that the dinosaurs were wiped out by a meteor strike.

10. A statue of a raptor is outside the biology department at the university where Malcolm works. Why does Malcolm think the statue of the velociraptor is insulting to the raptor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the early parts of the story, there are many attempts by the Costa Rican government to cover up the existence of the aberrant animals. Describe two of the rumors that abounded about the aberrant animals and discuss how full disclosure by the Costa Rican authorities might have impacted the story and saved people's lives on the island. Would full disclosure by the authorities have made a difference at all? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples from the story.

Essay Topic 2

Through his research, Levine comes to believe that the lost world is located on Isla Sorna. Malcolm agrees.

a. Discuss the process by which Levine and Malcolm come to rest on Isla Sorna as the lost world's hiding place.

b. What features of the island make it a suitable candidate for their expedition? Identify at least five features of the island.

c. What is the importance of the volcano located on the island?

d. Based on the information revealed about Isla Sorna before the group embarks on their trip, would you have believed that Levine located the right island? Why or why not? Be sure to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast how the character of Ian Malcolm changes as the story progresses. Be sure to include your assessment of Malcolm's character when he first meets Richard Levine when Levine interrupts Malcolm's lecture, when Malcolm learns Levine has gone missing, when he sees the dinosaurs on the island, and when he escapes the island. Use examples from the story to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 885 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample