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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. How far are the Galapagos Islands from South America?

2. Why is instinct NOT well-defined?

3. What do naturalists say about the situation of hybrids resembling their parents?

4. How do biologists classify organisms?

5. What does Darwin suggest that freshwater fish could develop through selection?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some general rules governing whether or not two species can produce fertile offspring?

2. What does Darwin suggest about the milking behaviors of ants on some insects?

3. Why do scientists have difficulty determining the effects of two distinct species breeding?

4. How does Darwin explain how the same genus of species are found in different geographical regions?

5. How can naturalists determine if land masses were once connected?

6. What is the key explanation for species living in different regions?

7. How can the inheritance of traits be seen in domesticated dogs?

8. How does natural selection explain relationships among creatures?

9. What is a cause for infertility as discussed in Chapter 8: Hybridism?

10. What undermines the belief that the infertility of species, when crossed, is the result of Divine institution?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Darwin suggests both that species can adapt to new environments and that when a species is brought into a new environment, it does not prosper. How can this contradiction be explained? Is it possible that each statement may be true for some organisms and not others? Provide examples and an explanation for your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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