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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Preston's Bell.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why was the thylacine killed off?
(a) Because invasive species competed more successfully for food.
(b) Because it preyed on colonists' sheep and was hunted.
(c) Because its eggs were collected by sailors.
(d) Because it lost its habitat to colonists.

2. How would you describe Quammen's style?
(a) Patient and thorough.
(b) Disjointed.
(c) Linear.
(d) Pedantic.

3. How does Quammen describe the komodo dragon's territory?
(a) As inseparable from the islands where it developed.
(b) As the whole history of its development in the ecosystem.
(c) As any environment that satisfies its survival requirements.
(d) As an island within an island.

4. When did the dodo go extinct?
(a) 17th century.
(b) 18th century.
(c) 20th century.
(d) 19th century.

5. What were theories of species evolution based on in Wallace's time?
(a) Superstition.
(b) Guesses.
(c) Science.
(d) Religion.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Quammen say about the overall pattern on this hypothetical rug?

2. What is the first example Quammen cites of a species that has gone extinct?

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

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

5. What is the tone of Quammen's writing in the opening chapter?

(see the answer key)

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