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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When did the Mauritius kestrel population begin to decline?
(a) 1990s.
(b) 1930s.
(c) 1970s.
(d) 1950s.

2. How did Quammen make his way to this site?
(a) By descending into a cave.
(b) On foot.
(c) By ascending a rope.
(d) By boat.

3. What was the result of the experiment Wilson and MacArthur undertook to prove their Krakatau hypothesis?
(a) The data showed that repopulation was much slower than predicted.
(b) The data showed that repopulation brought much more variety than had originally existed.
(c) The data matched their predictions.
(d) The data showed that repopulation was much faster than predicted.

4. Why, according to Quammen, is the theory of equilibrium important to science?
(a) Because it is a model for human populations.
(b) Because it models species extinction worldwide.
(c) Because it applies to mainland populations.
(d) Because it can be used to predict human emigrations.

5. What did Wilson and MacArthur argue influenced the number of species on an island?
(a) A natural rhythm of immigration and extinction.
(b) The altitude of its mountains.
(c) The fertility of the soil, or temperature of the water.
(d) The island's distance from the mainland.

Short Answer Questions

1. What observation did Wilson make to Quammen?

2. What turnover rate did Wilson and MacArthur predict for Krakatau?

3. How many individuals were thought to be required for long-term genetic adaptability?

4. What does Quammen believe happened to Bedo?

5. What environment is NOT analogous to an island, according to Quammen?

Short Essay Questions

1. What other ecosystems function as islands and show the same properties of species population and diversity as islands, according to Quammen?

2. What conclusion dis scientists reach in the Texas case?

3. How did Carl Jones save the Mauritius kestrel?

4. Where was Quammen sent, in order to find what he was looking for?

5. What data did Simberloff and Abele deploy in challenging this theory?

6. What did Lovejoy find in his studies on this question?

7. How does Quammen describe the indri?

8. What was Quammen looking for at Aru?

9. Why did Quammen choose Aru as the destination for his final chapter?

10. What is Quammen doing at the end of the book?

(see the answer keys)

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