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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. In Chapter 8, according to Darwin's example, what domesticated variety is NOT able to reproduce?

2. How is the American cuckoo different from the European cuckoo?

3. What insect does Darwin offer as an example of having a naturally selected trait that is NOT beneficial?

4. How do some scientists try to explain the purpose of rudimentary organs?

5. Which of the following refers to ways by which an organism could spread to a new area that would NOT typically occur naturally?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the process of egg-laying of the European cuckoo.

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

4. What does Darwin suggest about the fossil records of trilobites?

5. How does natural selection explain the lack of links between generations?

6. How does natural selection explain relationships among creatures?

7. Why is adaptation necessary?

8. What is one cause of a landmass changing the geological record?

9. How does natural selection explain the behaviors of Formica rufescens?

10. What are three facts that can be explained by natural selection as discussed in Chapter 11?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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