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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 2, Chapter 7.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Today, scientists know that radiation in high doses is:
(a) Tolerable.
(b) Toxic.
(c) Safe.
(d) Healthy.

2. Richard Owen coined the term paleontology as the study of prehistoric life forms and called the giant animals dinosaurian, meaning:
(a) Enormous creature.
(b) Large reptile.
(c) Ancient animal.
(d) Terrible lizard.

3. How do today's professional astronomers search for supernovae?
(a) Using classical mathematical predictions.
(b) Hiring interns to peer through telescopes 24/7.
(c) With digital cameras and computers.
(d) In collaboration with astrologers.

4. Astronomer Edmond Halley approached mathematician Sir Isaac Newton to get his help figuring out why planets:
(a) Vary in size.
(b) Are round.
(c) Spin on their axes.
(d) Orbit the sun in ellipses.

5. In the 1700s, people were finding holes in theories. For example, if the thoughts on erosion were completely correct, then:
(a) There would be no mountains, only smooth hills.
(b) Icebergs would have eroded long ago.
(c) All farmland would have been washed away.
(d) Sand would be ground to fine powder.

Short Answer Questions

1. Had the universe formed just slightly differently:

2. Many scientists suspect that Pluto is just a comet of the:

3. What did the French Compte de Buffon claim about the New World (the Americas) compared to the known Old World?

4. Pluto is the first planet to be discovered by an:

5. When radiation was first discovered, people thought it must have:

(see the answer key)

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