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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. Why did Whittington's next classification pose a problem?

2. What is the problem with the Burgess Shale in relation to many of the similarities and distinctions?

3. What did Whittington's revisions of the new paradigm become?

4. Which old category did the team focus on to classify Opabinia?

5. What is the name of the small ribbon-shaped creation that is the first member known of the 'chordate' phylum?

Short Essay Questions

1. How can Odaraia be described?

2. What other monographs were published in 1981 concerning the Burgess Shale and by who?

3. What did Sanctacaris look like?

4. What did Leanchoilica look like?

5. What must the next generation do with the Burgess Shale?

6. Why wasn't the discovery of the Burgess Shale and its consequent new shift in perspective a gradual change?

7. What does Morris find that is so shocking?

8. How did Aysehaia contribute to the Burgess Drama?

9. How does Gould describe the relationship between Oxford advisors and their students?

10. What new view did Whittington hold after working on Naraoia?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Act 1 discusses the new Burgess Shale animal, Opabinia. Pick one other animal and then write a thorough essay that compares and contrasts Opabinia with the other animal. Compile at least three major examples provided by Gould's book that examine their similarities and differences.

Essay Topic 2

In Act 2, Gould discusses Whittington's shocking discovery after dissecting Opabinia's carapace. First, explain what the discovery was. Second, explain the discovery's significance for scientific research as a whole, and for the Burgess Shale in particular.

Essay Topic 3

Chapter 2 focuses on the myth of the laboratory and of field work. What does Gould have to say about the myths behind these work stations? Discuss three examples that explain how Gould presents these working stations as mythic. Also, determine the similarities and differences between laboratory and field work.

(see the answer keys)

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