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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 unique about variation in polymorphic species?

2. Why does the point of possible starvation for animals occur sooner than for humans?

3. What does the process of species growth suggest about species that are transported into foreign regions?

4. How many objections does Darwin say there are about natural selection?

5. What type of work is presented in The Origin of Species?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the importance of indefinite variations?

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

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

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

6. Why does Darwin feel the distinction between species variations is arbitrary?

7. How do Naturalists define a species and a variety?

8. Regarding Darwin's example of the pigeon in Chapter 1, why is the pigeon easily determined to be descended from a single species?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Darwin uses inductive reasoning throughout his work. What is inductive reasoning? Why is this so important to the study of natural selection? Is inductive reasoning scientific? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Darwin focuses on animals and plants when discussing natural selection. What do you think Darwin's thoughts are concerning human adaptation? Why doesn't Darwin directly apply this theory to humans?

(see the answer keys)

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