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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 kind of interpretation did Morris want of the Burgess Shale fossils?

2. What large crab with an enormous number of spines did Collins publish a monograph on in 1985?

3. What is the name of the small ribbon-shaped creation that is the first member known of the 'chordate' phylum?

4. What does the second stage of contingency describe?

5. What did Whittington first think about Naraoia?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is David Burton's published monograph on Sidneyia an important milestone?

3. What does Morris find that is so shocking?

4. What did Whittington originally think Naraoia was?

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

6. What sort of series does Chapter 4: Walcott's Vision and the Nature of History transition to and why?

7. How did Aysehaia contribute to the Burgess Drama?

8. What new view did Whittington hold after working on Naraoia?

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

10. What did Collins do when faced with the prevention of Des Collins excavation of Walcott's quarry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Agree or disagree with the following statement: the scientist is responsible for the implications or consequences of his or her research regardless of its accuracy or inaccuracy. Cite three examples from the book that support your view. Explain you argument with solid reasoning and make sure to address what responsibility the public might have in this argument.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Since a team controls research data, it's important that each member function in unison. Answer the following question: Is the diversity of Whittington's team a strength or a weakness? Discuss three ways in which their diversity is a strength or a weakness. Use material from the entire book to support your examples.

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