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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. The process through which humans and plants have shaped each other over the years is known as _______.

2. The number of leaves that are only a tulip are typically _______. With the "turban" top, this gives them the suggesting of a human body.

3. Johnny Appleseed was known for introducing the apple to the following states except _____.

4. In an attempt to look like decaying meat, a ______ plant has red and white striated coloring and a rancid smell.

5. Pollan asserts that due to the use of apple grafts from one generation to the next, the apple population has been made____.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the classic example of coevolution that Pollan presents at the start of the book?

2. How did the tulip bulb end up coming into Holland, even though it was not a native plant in the area?

3. What are the colors and the shapes of flowers designed to do, according to some scientists?

4. Who are some of the groups which roamed the Ohio lands long before Johnny Appleseed was there?

5. What happens as a result of the different environments in which a flower might be able to grow?

6. What are some of the ways in which flowers have been created to attract the attention of humans, according to Pollan?

7. What does the presence of flowers tend to tell a person about the area in which they are walking or traveling?

8. What does Pollan find to be mythical about the story of Johnny Appleseed, although it is a true story?

9. Why does Johnny Appleseed not stay in Brilliant when the people ask him to do so?

10. What is connection between the plants in the book and their impact on the human society and vice-versa?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of beauty is one which is not easy to define, although Pollan notes that this is why tulips were so popular for a time.

Part 1: How do you define the idea of beauty? What does this mean to you?

Part 2: How do you define the idea of beauty in relation to the flowers of the world?

Part 3: Why do you think that the tulip was favored over so many other flowers in the world?

Essay Topic 2

Pollan tries to assign gender qualities to flowers, as some are seen as feminine and others as masculine.

Part 1: Why do you think it is important to assign gender qualities to flowers?

Part 2: What is the purpose of assigning certain flowers to certain gender labels?

Part 3: Do you agree with the assignment of genders to flowers? What do you think this does to the discussion of flowers?

Essay Topic 3

Genetic variability is thought to be the key to the apple's future, even though it is not widely discussed in social circles.

Part 1: How might you define the idea of genetic variability?

Part 2: Why do you think genetic variability is important to the survival of the apple?

Part 3: Is genetic variability important to the survival of man? If not, why not?

(see the answer keys)

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