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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. What does Weiner compare to the "flaming sword at the gates of Eden"?

2. Where does Jamie Smith study sparrows?

3. Chapter 8 mentions that Peter has to deliver a lecture in which country?

4. What type of animal was the Eohippus (or the Hyracotherium)?

5. Approximately how many islands are in the Galapagos Archipelago?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scope and methods of Trevor Price's observation of the finches.

2. How do various species get from island to island in the Galapagos? Remember to include examples of both plants and animals.

3. Explain the significance about the year 1983 as described in Chapter 8.

4. Compare and contrast evolution as seen through the fossil record and as observed in real time.

5. Describe the view from the peak of Daphne Major.

6. What was Darwin's seed experiment that is discussed in Chapter 9, and how did he carry it out?

7. Summarize Endler's guppy experiments.

8. Describe Darwin's personal life after returning to England.

9. How did Darwin react to the finches while he was in the Galapagos and later while he was in England?

10. How did the finches respond to the rain after the intense drought?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Defend or confront the presence of anthropomorphism in the book. Is it appropriate in a scientific work? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the difference between the fossil record and real-time observations as concerns tracing the path of evolution.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Darwin's personality and contributions to science.

(see the answer keys)

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