1. Darwin wrote about the evolution of plants and animals, but not of humans, in On the Origin of Species (1859). In what work from 1871 did Darwin specifically apply his ideas of natural selection to human beings?
The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex.
2. In his capacity as naturalist for the HMS Beagle (1831-1836), Darwin traveled around the globe. Which location was NOT visited on this expedition: Cape Verde Islands, Easter Island, Mauritius, Tahiti, or Tasmania?
Easter Island.
3. Darwin brought a unique collection of small birds from the Galápagos Islands back to England for further study. The observations of these birds helped Darwin formulate his ideas on adaptation and natural selection. What type of birds were these?
Finches, with the 13 (possibly 14) species now known as Darwin's finches. The morphology of these finches (especially with regard to their beaks, which evolved over time to best suit their function) was studied by Darwin and constituted important evidence for his theory of natural selection.
4. What term is used to describe the differentiation of populations (originally one species) in geographical isolation to the point where they are recognized as separate species?
Allopatric speciation (speciation by geographic isolation), which can occur when a population in a restricted locality is cut off from the main body of the species and undergoes divergence because of genetic drift and different selection pressures, thereby rendering them reproductively distinct.
5. During his visit to the Galápagos Islands, Darwin describes eating predominantly a certain meat: "we lived entirely upon ... meat: ... roasted (as the Gauchos do carne con cuero [meat with skin]), with the flesh on it, is very good; and the young … make excellent soup; but otherwise the meat to my taste is indifferent." Name the animal that provided this meat.
The Galápagos giant tortoise.
6. While in South America in 1833, Darwin found an unusual fossil of an extinct giant ground sloth. Although it was not the initial discovery of this creature, some of the fossil parts were the first of their kind to be put on display in England and to be studied by paleontologists. What is the scientific name for this extinct mammal?
Megatherium, which was found in the beach cliffs near Punta Alta, Argentina. This giant herbivore weighed as much as 3-5 tons and had a length up to 6 m (20 ft).
7. In the year 2000, the United Kingdom issued a new 10-pound (£10) note with Charles Darwin prominently displayed on the back (Queen Elizabeth was on the front). What famous English writer, shown on the back of the old note, was replaced by Darwin on the new one: Jane Austen, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, or William Shakespeare?
Charles Dickens.
8. Where was Darwin buried following his death on April 19, 1882?
Darwin was buried in Westminster Abbey, London.
9. What American president shares the same birth date, February 12, 1809, as Charles Darwin?
Abraham Lincoln.
10. Name the animated cartoon series in which "Darwin" appears as a talking chimpanzee companion of Eliza (the young girl who is the main character).
The Wild Thornberrys, which premiered on American television in 1998.
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