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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 Malcolm, why are humans so interested in the decline of the dinosaur?

2. Who first set forth the theory of evolution?

3. When Malcolm learns of the photographer's deeds, what is he relieved that he hasn't highlighted on his wall map yet?

4. When Dodgson requests a meeting with the head of Biosyn, what does Dodgson tell him?

5. What time is it in Africa when Thorne places a phone call to the other person who will be accompanying him and Malcolm on the trip to Costa Rica?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the other girls at school taunt Kelly?

2. How does Dodgson convince the head of Biosyn to allow Dodgson one more opportunity to successfully gain the dinosaur DNA he has been seeking?

3. Identify and describe the theory supported by the high levels of iridium at the K-T boundary.

4. Why, in Malcolm's opinion, is his extinction theory untestable?

5. Why is Kelly thrilled to learn that Thorne will call Sarah Harding if he can't reach Levine on the sat phone?

6. Why is Jack Thorne, who was once a Stanford professor, much happier away from academia?

7. Why does the tissue sample that Malcolm sends to his contact at the zoo for analysis cause a stir at the zoo?

8. As no map of the Costa Rican island exists, how is Levine conducting his reconnaissance on the island?

9. Describe Ian Malcolm's feelings regarding the theory that the dinosaurs were wiped out by a meteor strike.

10. Why does Guitierrez lament the changing ethics of scientists?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Ian Malcolm and Richard Levine.

a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?

b. Compare the role of that complexity theory plays in each of their lives. How is each character affected by this theory - both positively and negatively?

Essay Topic 2

Identify four of the members of the group invited by Levine to be part of his island expedition. Then, compare and contrast the backgrounds, experiences, and opinions of the four group members you identified. Is each member of the group necessary in order for Levine's expedition to succeed? Why or why not? Is any member of the group expendable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Both Dodgson and Levine arrive on Isla Sorna specifically because of their need to find the dinosaurs.

a. Compare and contrast the motivations of Dodgson and Levine.

b. How do their differing motivations impact their view of the dinosaurs, their interactions with the jungle environment, and their ability to think on their feet as the situation becomes more fluid and more deadly?

c. How are their relationships to the people they are on the island with dictated by each man's overriding goals?

(see the answer keys)

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