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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 do naturalists connect with species that have two or three variations?

2. Which term refers to a type of variation that is seen in most or all groups of organisms?

3. Why do domestic ducks have lighter wings and heavier feet then wild ducks?

4. What typically happens to a species that begins to vary and forms two distinct species?

5. What is the difference between the two types of variations discussed in Chapter 1: Variation Under Domestication?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the importance of indefinite variations?

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

3. How does the growth of a population work?

4. What is the difference between domesticated and wild animals, according to Darwin?

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

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

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

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

9. How do variations occur in the wild?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Darwin's theory of natural selection suggests that species adapt over time. Why do they adapt, and what is the purpose of these adaptations? What does this theory suggest that the adapting species are striving toward? What does this theory suggest about species that do not adapt?

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

How would a dramatic climate change affect a species? Consider the affect of the climate becoming (a) colder and (b) warmer. Use Darwin's arguments and explanations for this essay, provide examples of how each type of change would affect a species.

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