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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 types did Whittingdon use to classify the new species?

2. How much of all marine life died during the greatest extinction in history?

3. When was the boundary between the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras?

4. What are the evidences for Opabinia that are considered undeniable?

5. Who discovered Harry Whittington's analysis of fauna decades later?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the boundary between the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras famous?

2. What did Leif Størmer decide to do in contrast to Walcott?

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

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

5. Why do paleontologists find Opabinia unbelievable and fascinating?

6. What did using these new methods allow Whittington's team to do?

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

8. What evidence favors Opabinia's uniqueness?

9. How did Walcott's taxonomy have to be significantly updated?

10. How did Whittington try to uncover the bodily appendages of Opabinia?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 4, there is a drama concerning trilobites, Whittington and Naraoia. Explain the relationship between the three by citing three examples from the book as evidence. In addition, answer the following questions. What is the history of their relationship? How does the book conclude the discussion of their relationship and how is this significant?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Chapter 2 focuses on the myth of the laboratory and of field work. What does Gould have to say about the myths behind these work stations? Discuss three examples that explain how Gould presents these working stations as mythic. Also, determine the similarities and differences between laboratory and field work.

(see the answer keys)

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