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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. At Botofogo Bay, what does Darwin find that interests him?

2. In addition to the volcanic formation of St. Domingo, what does Darwin notice about the island?

3. What does the evening meal consist of at Don Juan Fuentes' house?

4. Who does Darwin encounter in the village of Las Minas?

5. What do the inhabitants of a ranch north of the Polanco River find interesting when Darwin arrives?

Short Essay Questions

1. What problem ensues after the Portuguese priest makes a kill in the forest?

2. What is Darwin given to eat at Tapalguen River?

3. What does Darwin write about a huge bird he kills up the Santa Cruz River?

4. What does Darwin find to write about just outside of Maldonado?

5. How is Darwin stunned by the docility of a large male slave?

6. At the Rio Negro, about 300 miles to the south of Maldonado, what is the evidence of political turmoil in South America?

7. What strange phenomenon occurs on the way to Port Desire and how does Darwin rationalize it?

8. How does Darwin surmise that animals similar to Old World animals ended up in the Americas?

9. How does Darwin describe the behavior of the guanaco he finds at the ruins of an old Spanish settlement?

10. Describe the rodents Darwin encounters outside Maldonado.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the type of person who is scientifically, physically, and emotionally fit to undertake a voyage like the one Darwin made around the world. In explaining your thesis, use examples of Darwin's inquisitive mind, his ability as a hunter, his ability to ride a horse, his nerve to go off with strangers into the unknown, etc.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay comparing the historical displacement of native peoples in both North and South America. Compare the revolutions and wars with the indigenous populations of each continent. In your essay speculate on how small groups of European settlers were able to take over the New World.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about slavery. Use examples from South America and Australia that had a profound impact on Darwin. In your essay discuss how slavery affects both the slave and the master psychologically. Give your opinion as to why slavery was a generally accepted practice in the 1800s.

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