View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is one function that cave dwelling animals lost through natural selection?

2. Which species require more years for change?

3. What is the struggle for existence caused by?

4. Why would one organism be able to survive in a climate that another could not?

5. What is required for a species to continue to grow?

Short Essay Questions

1. What occurs in situations where a species is moved from one climate to another?

2. What was Darwin's specific interest in the living species?

3. Why does Darwin suggest his methods of study are inadequate?

4. Why would natural selection be considered counter-intuitive?

5. Why would, on some islands, nature select for beetles that do not fly?

6. Why is it sometimes impossible to tell if climate is the cause for variations in the same species located in different geographical locations?

7. How do variations occur in the wild?

8. What are four objections raised to the theory of natural selection?

9. Why is the eye used as an example of an organ too complex to be explained by natural selection?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Darwin understands that his research methods are inadequate for the extent of his theory. Why do you think he admits this flaw, and how does Darwin propose to overcome flaws in his research?

Essay Topic 2

Darwin discusses the difference between natural and artificial, or domestic breeding. How does Darwin feel about both types of breeding in terms of natural selection? Do you think he would prefer one type of breeding over the other? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Thomas Malthus' principle of population growth and how it related to Darwin's theory of natural selection.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 796 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample