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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 theory of "survival of the fittest," what is most important to gene preservation?

2. How did the Owens react when Mr. Van der Westhuizen offered them this amount of money for their research?

3. Which of the following lionesses became nomadic during the dry season of 1979?

4. How long were the Union Carbide reps in the Owens' camp before they returned to their headquarters?

5. Which animals did the Owens believe did NOT have adequate habitat space in the reserves?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who were Wes and Anne?

4. How had the political landscape in Botswana changed during the four weeks the Owens spent visiting family in the States?

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

6. How did Star die?

7. How did Mark manage to purchase an airplane for his research?

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

9. What was Satan, and how did he die?

10. What was Mark's first reaction to the wildebeest migration when he saw it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During the hot, dry season, life on the Kalahari changes greatly, particularly for the Blue Pride of lions. First, describe the setting of the Kalahari during the hot, dry season. How does life in the Kalahari during the dry season compare / contrast to life on the Kalahari during the wet season? Then, describe the ways the lions alter their hunting, feeding, and living styles during the dry season. In what ways do the lions preserve their pride even when water and food is in low supply? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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