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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. Who is Kazakh?

2. Who wants to become a major property owner in Ecuador?

3. Who can talk to animals?

4. What make and model vehicle does Hernando Cruz drive?

5. What year was Charles Darwin born?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who discovered the Galapagos Islands in 1535 A.D.?

2. Summarize James Wait's childhood as it is described in Chapter 3.

3. What is Mandarax? Who created it? How many Mandarax were made? What is its function?

4. Describe Jesus Ortiz . What is his brain capable of doing?

5. Why does Kazakh never bark or play with other dogs?

6. Discuss the three examples the narrator uses to show how people can become independent from their parents.

7. In what way is Mary Hepburn "Mother Nature Personified?"

8. Why do blue-footed boobies dance the way they do in courtship?

9. Compare and contrast the Galapagos Islands back in 1986 A.D. to a million years later.

10. Compare and contrast the Bahia De Darwin to the Beagle.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Technology and robots are widely seen and used throughout the novel. In what ways has technology effected the characters in the novel? What dangers are there for a society which greatly depends on technology?

Essay Topic 2

The portrait of Charles Darwin hangs behind the bar in the Hotel El Dorado. Why do you think Charles Darwin is such an important figure to the characters in the novel? In your opinion, do you think Charles Darwin should be seen as an idol? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss sensuality, sexuality, and fertility as it pertains to the novel. Be sure to give at least one example of each from the novel.

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