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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 did Whittington attempt to do to many of the new species found in the Burgess Shale?

2. What does Gould determine about the difference between eukaryotic fauna and the Burgess fauna?

3. How did Whittington approach Yohoia?

4. What does Gould focus on to bring the Burgess Shale into clear view?

5. What did Gould describe as characteristic of arthropods?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did people think Opabinia was and what did Whittington choose to believe about this idea?

2. Why are the Burgess Shale's arthropod designs odd?

3. How is the "Cambrian explosion" defined?

4. Why did Gould write this book as an homage to the Burgess Shale?

5. What did Whittington find Opabinia to actually be?

6. What special insight or perspective does the Burgess Shale offer?

7. Why do paleontologists find Opabinia unbelievable and fascinating?

8. How is the Precambrian Era defined?

9. What is the definition of decimation in the relation to the evolution of life?

10. What is Chapter 3: Reconstruction of the Burgess Shale: Toward a New View of Life about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gould argues that Canadaspis' classification as a crustacean is crucial. Summarize Gould's argument and then, using at least three examples from the book, argue for or against Gould's position.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 1, Gould expresses the opinion that accepting his interpretation of the Burgess Shale has a psychological cost for humanity. Explain why Gould believes this and disagree or agree with his statement. Cite at least three reasons that support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Act 1 discusses the new Burgess Shale animal, Opabinia. Pick one other animal and then write a thorough essay that compares and contrasts Opabinia with the other animal. Compile at least three major examples provided by Gould's book that examine their similarities and differences.

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