View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through So Huge A Bignes.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Quammen interject into his historical narrative about ecosystem studies?
(a) Apocalyptic visions.
(b) Sociological insights.
(c) Jokes.
(d) Personal stories.

2. What was the special creation theory?
(a) The theory that the universe was created especially for man's comfort.
(b) The theory that species developed only the most aesthetic traits.
(c) The theory that man was specifically created out of the best traits of the other animals.
(d) The idea that God made each species for its environment.

3. Where did Quammen go to study temrecs?
(a) New Zealand.
(b) Galapagos.
(c) Madagascar.
(d) Sri Lanka.

4. What is the term that encompasses David Quammen's overall idea?
(a) Ecosystem collapse.
(b) Functional adaptation.
(c) Survival of the fittest.
(d) Island biogeography.

5. What advice did Darwin receive from his friends, with regard to Wallace's work?
(a) Credit Wallace and share the glory with him.
(b) To buy Wallace's notes from him, and pledge him to silence.
(c) To work with Wallace and publish a joint theory.
(d) Publish an outline quickly.

Short Answer Questions

1. What literary device describes the questions David Quammen asks about the rug?

2. When does Quammen say his field became a field of inquiry?

3. What is the relationship Quammen develops between the imaginary rug and ecosystems?

4. When does a species' dispersal ability become important, according to Quammen?

5. What ecosystem does Wallace distinguish from ecosystems that developed in isolation?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 302 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample