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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 do we not know about mass extinction?

2. Which team member has Gould largely ignored at this point?

3. What do Oxford advisers not spend much of their time on, according to Gould?

4. Who dissented with Whittington about Aysehaia?

5. What did Anomalocaris appear to represent?

Short Essay Questions

1. What two major discoveries did Derek Briggs make?

2. What does Gould argue about the classification of the Canadaspis?

3. How does Gould describe the relationship between Oxford advisors and their students?

4. How can Odaraia be described?

5. How is Whittington inclined to see Opabinia during his initial observations?

6. Why did classifying Naraoia pose a problem for Whittington?

7. Why did the Burgess Shale drama become a denouement by 1978?

8. What must the next generation do with the Burgess Shale?

9. What did Whittington originally think Naraoia was?

10. Why wasn't the discovery of the Burgess Shale and its consequent new shift in perspective a gradual change?

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

In Act 1, Whittington begins to observe Yohoia. Answer the following question: Should Whittington's observations of Marrella have affected his approach to Yohoia? Use one of your own supporting ideas to back up your statement, and at least two examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Gould disagrees with Whittington regarding the significance of Aysehaia. Explain this disagreement in your own words. Use two examples from the book to illustrate the significance of Aysehaia, Whittington's position, and Gould's dissent.

(see the answer keys)

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