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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Rarity Unto Death.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Quammen say Wallace developed in South America?
(a) A terrifying vision of the destruction of ecosystems.
(b) A sharp eye for different traits in insects.
(c) A deep devotion to the science of zoology.
(d) A clear vision of the profits to be made in providing scientists with specimens.

2. What literary term describes Quammen's use of the image of the Persian rug?
(a) Metaphor.
(b) Simile.
(c) Personification.
(d) Symbolism.

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

4. What population does Quammen compare with the thylacine population?
(a) The passenger pigeon.
(b) The dodo.
(c) The Komodo dragon.
(d) The indigenous people of Tasmania.

5. What question does Quammen say was debated for years after Darwin's theories were published?
(a) Whether he acted honorably toward Wallace.
(b) Whether he owed Wallace for the material he borrowed.
(c) Whether he stole his work from Wallace.
(d) Whether he developed the theory of evolution on his own.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Quammen say islands are sometimes formed?

3. What tragedy struck Wallace on his return to England?

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

5. Why was the thylacine killed off?

(see the answer key)

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