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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 event does Kolbert attend that is to bring awareness and interest in eating carp?

2. Each day at the Old River Control Auxiliary Structure, the gates are raised or lowered, depending on what?

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

4. After a disastrous flood in what year, did the Army Corps of Engineers extend the levees?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How is an atoll formed?

2. What problems has human domination over nature caused, according to Kolbert?

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

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

5. Why were Asian carp brought over to the U.S.?

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

7. What is the reason for why the Chicago River was reversed?

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

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

10. What is the problem with Wood Screw Pumps?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kolbert mentions that most of the carbon dioxide humans have emitted would eventually turn to stone. If this is the case, do we need to be concerned about carbon dioxide emissions? Why or why not? Do the scientists Kolbert interviews regarding emissions factor this in when talking about their ideas for reducing emissions or removing emissions? Why or why not? What might Kolbert think about the natural chemical weathering process, based on her comments in Up in the Air, Chapter 1?

Essay Topic 2

The scientists and under a white sky into the wild chapter 3 focus on genetic modification as a way of bringing balance to the natural world. What are the reasons given by the scientists regarding the benefits of genetic modification? How does Colbert both agree and disagree with this? Based on the information you have received in this book, what are your thoughts on genetic modification and the survival of our planet? What questions or concerns do you have regarding protecting wildlife after reading into the wild chapter 3? How do these questions and concerns support Kolbert‘s purpose for writing this book?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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