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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 is the struggle for existence caused by?

2. What type of populations may be more likely to become extinct?

3. What does natural selection favor in terms of increasing population?

4. What other field of science can natural selection be compared to?

5. What does the absence of complete facts with Darwin's theory open the theory up to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What factors contribute to the slowdown in reproduction in a species?

2. Why isn't it safe to assume that regions that are physically connected in the present day were connected in the past?

3. Why are polymorphic species considered an extreme illustration of variation?

4. Why are the laws of inheritance still not understood?

5. What must be examined in order for Darwin's theory to be considered plausible?

6. Is there a cycle to the struggle for existence? Explain.

7. Why is a flying mammal such as a bat difficult to explain through natural selection?

8. How does Darwin propose a theory that goes against long-held popular belief?

9. How does natural selection explain why organisms pair with other organisms?

10. What can't all examples for disused organs be attributed to correlational growth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Variations are, according to Darwin, naturally selected for because of their use to the species. How are variations passed on from one generation to the next? What types of trait variations have occurred that have improved survival of a species?

Essay Topic 2

Accidental means of dispersal is one type of migration. Do you think this is an affective means of migration? When this occurs, do you think a species will need to adapt, or could they remain the same? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The definition for species has changed throughout time. Define species as scientists defined it in Darwin's time, and define the word species as it is now defined. What is the distinction between these two definitions? Which definition best represents what a species is in your opinion? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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