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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 the term for when water bursts through a levee, whether man-made or natural?

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

3. How many species are thought to live in reefs around the world?

4. Darwin’s ideas regarding evolution were first known as what?

5. After a week with Gates, how does Kolbert feel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has happened to Isle de Jean Charles?

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

3. How is extinction now an observable phenomenon?

4. What is the solution chosen for dealing with the Asian carp problem in and around Chicago?

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

6. What is William Lewis Manly's role in the discovery of Devils Hole?

7. When do the majority of scientists believe the Anthropocene Age began?

8. What is amazing about coral reefs?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kolbert mentions that there are two different main beliefs for how long mankind has influenced the earth's climate. What are these two beliefs? With which hypothesis do you agree? Why? What details from the book can you use to support your position? In the end, does it matter which hypothesis you agree with? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Kolbert frequently mentions the price tag for human intervention. Why might she do this? How does this affect the reader? What does it also mean for the work done by specialists to save ecosystems? How might these high prices impact decisions made regarding the environment?

Essay Topic 3

Through the study of ice cores, it is learned that D-O events have taken place over the course of our planet's history. What are D-O events? When did they take place? How did they affect our world? How do they help scientists understand our future? How does reading about these events alter your understanding of the world we live in?

(see the answer keys)

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