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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 3, The Great Demotions, Chapter 4, A Universe Not Made For Us.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was the state of the knowledge and belief about life on other planets at the time the book was written?
(a) No signs of life were known to exist.
(b) It was believed there was abundant life on Mars.
(c) Scientists expected to find life on most of the planets and moons.
(d) Most believed life on other planets was impossible.

2. About how long does Sagan suggest that human beings have been "settled down"?
(a) 10,000 years.
(b) 100,000 years.
(c) 1,000 years.
(d) 50,000 years.

3. What is notable about the stars in Sagan's distant picture of the Earth?
(a) An immense number are visible.
(b) They have many different colors.
(c) Very few are visible.
(d) They appear very close.

4. What scientist is well-known for writing about the differences between species of animals?
(a) Hawking.
(b) Darwin.
(c) Maxwell.
(d) Dawkins.

5. Sagan suggests that throughout history, many have claimed that our species is what?
(a) Worthless.
(b) Irredeemable.
(c) Essentially good.
(d) Unique.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is notable about pictures taken of the Earth from the moon?

2. Which of the following is a major point opponents of space exploration raise?

3. What space probe was an important part of Sagan's career, and passed by a major planet in 1976?

4. Which of the following is NOT one of the major unknowns that Sagan says he will address in this book?

5. Which of the following does Sagan NOT cite as evidence for the age of the universe?

(see the answer key)

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