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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 can some amount of variation be attributed to?

2. What do Naturalists suggest is one definite distinction between a species and a variety?

3. What type of selection primarily affects the reproductive characteristics of a species?

4. What may hinder positive traits from being passed on during natural selection?

5. Which species require more years for change?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is the importance of indefinite variations?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Natural selection cannot explain all variations and occurrences of nature. Explore the notion that variations in nature may be caused by both change and natural selection. Do you think this is truly a possibility? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Darwin discusses the struggle for existence in terms of pray and predators. How does this theory play into species with no predators? Are there truly any species with no predators? Explain your answer.

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