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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. According to the Owens' research, why do hyenas live in packs?

2. For which university did Mox gather mice for research?

3. Which of the following groups of lions are typically responsible for hunting in a pride?

4. With their tagging equipment, how long did it take the Owens to check all the animals with their radar?

5. How much money did Mr. Van der Westhuizen give the Owens for their research?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did the wildebeest react to the fence that had been constructed by the local farmers to protect their livestock?

2. How do lions communicate?

3. Why did the Owens decide to tag the large pack of brown hyenas near their camp?

4. Why did the Owens particularly enjoy their stay at the Buffalo Cottage?

5. What state was Bones in when the Owens first found him?

6. How did Delia interact with Star's pups during her research period for her PhD?

7. What was the Owens' reaction to the scientific visitors in their camp during the dry season of 1979?

8. How did the Owens find out that Mox had quit his position as their assistant?

9. What interesting information did the Owens learn about scavenging by watching the feeding relationship between Star and the Pink Panther?

10. How did Muffin die?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout their time in the Kalahari, the Owens had a great amount of time to study the mothering habits of the various animals that lived in the desert. Choose two of the animal species that the Owens studied and describe their mothering habits. Based on the research conduced by the Owens, would you say these animal species were "good" mothers? Why or why not? How did the Owens' research on these specific species of animals affect the way the scientific world viewed mothering from a zoological stand point? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Although the Owens worked hard to help preserve the Kalahari Desert, it often seemed as if they working against much stronger forces that were determined to destroy the land. First, describe one of the natural elements the Owens were up against in their fight to preserve the Kalahari. Then, compare / contrast the damage from this natural cause with the damage from a man-made construction. Which do you think was a bigger threat to the preservation of the Kalahari? How can you tell? In what ways did the Owens fight against these forces with their hopes of preserving the land? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Because the Owens spent such a large chunk of time living in the Kalahari, their relationship and personal lives were greatly affected by their time there. First, describe the Owens' relationship when they first arrived in the Kalahari. Compare / contrast it to their relationship when they left the Kalahari for the last time. What events do you think were most integral in shaping their relationship? Describe what life was like for the Owens in the weeks and months after their return to the United States. Do you think the Owens regretted their time in the Desert? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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