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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Man Who Knew Islands.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What tragedy struck Wallace on his return to England?
(a) He became sick and nearly died.
(b)
(c) Someone else arrived in England a few weeks before him with similar specimens.
(d) He lost his specimens and notes in a shipwreck.

2. What does Quammen says Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace had in common?
(a) They both collected insects and primates.
(b) They both found hostile responses to their work.
(c) They both studied birds.
(d) They both studied island ecosystems.

3. What is the tone of Quammen's writing in the opening chapter?
(a) Bellicose.
(b) Morose.
(c) Familiar.
(d) Agitated.

4. How would you describe Quammen's vocabulary?
(a) Technical and precise.
(b) Sophisticated.
(c) Off-hand.
(d) Familiar.

5. Who does Quammen say typically collected insects?
(a) Wealthy Brits.
(b) The most devoted scientists.
(c) Hunters in the Amazon.
(d) Ambitious young Americans.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Quammen describe the efforts of other scientists?

2. How did Wallace put Darwin in a tough spot, according to Quammen?

3. What is the term that encompasses David Quammen's overall idea?

4. What question does Quammen say was debated for years after Darwin's theories were published?

5. What important book did Robert McArthur and Edward Wilson publish in 1967?

(see the answer key)

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