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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is a NOT a technique listed by Kolbert to support species that were brought back from the brink of extinction?

2. What is the name Kolbert gives for the ability for humans to now watch other species go extinct?

3. What is NOT something that Kolbert says human domination over nature has caused?

4. What book does Kolbert say led to the introduction of Asian carp in U.S. rivers?

5. What is NOT a reason for why Devil’s Hole is a geological oddity?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways are those in the Chicago area trying to manage the carp problem?

2. What is the crime that was committed at Devils Hole?

3. How is Kolbert inspired by Gates?

4. What have humans done to save species on the brink of extinction?

5. What is amazing about coral reefs?

6. What led to the introduction of non-native species to control pests?

7. Why was the Old River Control Auxiliary Structure created?

8. How does Kolbert compare her stay at the Paris in Las Vegas to life for the pupfish in Devils Hole Jr.?

9. What is the purpose of the model delta at the Center for River Studies?

10. What are crevasses, and why do a group of engineers want to create man-made ones?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kolbert says that clear signs of the Anthropocene age are increased radioactivity and rodents. In what ways does that show the influence of humans on the natural world? How has the world been negatively affected by this influence? How might this human influence also be considered a natural occurrence as it has been happening since mankind was first created? How might this support the idea that there is no absolutely natural world and that the world is full of genetically modified beings?

Essay Topic 2

Kolbert writes and Afterword but does so not to put the reader's mind at ease. What is the purpose of her Afterword? How does it leave the reader? Why might Kolbert want to leave the reader this way? What does she hope this might accomplish? In your own case, is she successful? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Kolbert background is journalism. How does she use this background in writing her book? In what ways does the reader feel that he or she is reading a work by a journalist? Do you believe it’s beneficial that Colbert has a journalism background? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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