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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 does Levine learn about the handling of the carcasses that infuriates him?

2. What two behaviors are of particular interest to the study of evolution?

3. How long has Malcolm been denying speculation regarding the InGen story?

4. When Malcolm learns of the photographer's deeds, what is he relieved that he hasn't highlighted on his wall map yet?

5. When Kelly goes into Thorne's office to say goodbye, who does she learn will be accompanying Malcolm and Thorne on the trip to Costa Rica?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Thorne and the children arrive at Levine's apartment, name three items that they find.

2. According to Victorian-era scientists, what are dinosaurs like?

3. What two events occur in the 1970s that cause scientists to focus their attention on extinction?

4. Why is Kelly thrilled to learn that Thorne will call Sarah Harding if he can't reach Levine on the sat phone?

5. Identify and describe the theory supported by the high levels of iridium at the K-T boundary.

6. What do the members of Malcolm's audience have in common?

7. The head of Biosyn dislikes Dodgson, but likes having him around. Why?

8. As no map of the Costa Rican island exists, how is Levine conducting his reconnaissance on the island?

9. In the 1970s, why could no one answer questions regarding the fragility of the earth's ecosystem?

10. According to the Biosyn spy, why is Levine teaching a class at Woodside Junior High?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Through his research, Levine comes to believe that the lost world is located on Isla Sorna. Malcolm agrees.

a. Discuss the process by which Levine and Malcolm come to rest on Isla Sorna as the lost world's hiding place.

b. What features of the island make it a suitable candidate for their expedition? Identify at least five features of the island.

c. What is the importance of the volcano located on the island?

d. Based on the information revealed about Isla Sorna before the group embarks on their trip, would you have believed that Levine located the right island? Why or why not? Be sure to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Explore Crichton's story through the quotes used at the beginning of each configuration. How do the quotes fit with the themes and events of each configuration? What do the quotes foreshadow? Why does the author choose these particular ideas - "quotes" from Ian Malcolm - to be at the beginning of each new section?

a. First Configuration - "In the conservative region far from the chaotic edge, individual elements coalesce slowly, showing no clear pattern."

b. Second Configuration - "Self-organization elaborates in complexity as the system advances toward the chaotic edge."

c. Third Configuration - "In the intermediate phase, swiftly developing complexity within the system hides the risk of imminent chaos. But the risk is there."

d. Fourth Configuration - "Approaching the chaotic edge, elements show internal conflict. An unstable and potentially lethal region."

e. Fifth Configuration - "At the edge of chaos, unexpected outcomes occur. The risk to survival is severe."

f. Sixth Configuration - "Order collapses in simultaneous regions. Survival is now unlikely for individuals and groups."

g. Seventh Configuration - "Partial restabilization may occur after eliminating destructive elements. Survival is partly determined by chance events."

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Richard Levine with Lewis Dodgson.

a. How are the two characters similar in terms of their professional lives? How are they different?

b. How are the two characters similar in their personality characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses? How are they different?

c. Only one of these characters ultimately survives the ordeal on the Costa Rican island. Is Dodgson's death a result of his own doing or a result of dumb luck? Is Levine's survival a result of his own doing or a result of dumb luck? Support your reasoning for both.

d. Looking forward, how might this ordeal have affected each of these men as they moved forward with their lives? Would they be similarly affected or not? Explain your answers and your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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