The Origin of Species

1. How did Darwin know Emma Wedgewood, the woman he married in 1839?

2. Which scientist’s manuscript convinced Darwin to rush The Origin of Species into publication?

3. According to Darwin, which mechanism is responsible for evolution?

4. According to Darwin, how do variations occur in a species?

5. Which scientific work does Darwin rely on for his theory of the struggle for existence?

6. According to Darwin, what is the difference between species and varieties?

7. Why are domesticated species useful for Darwin’s theory?

8. Why must species engage in a struggle for existence?

9. Which field of study does Darwin most directly position himself against?

10. Which scientific discovery would most help to bolster Darwin’s theory?

11. Where did Darwin begin to collect the data and observations that would lead to his theory of the origin of species?

12. Which statement does Darwin’s manuscript make about nature?

13. Which term does Darwin use to describe evolution?

14. Which of the following is NOT an example of an advantageous variation?

15. What is an example of a trait that may have been perpetuated through sexual selection?

16. According to Darwin, why do species become extinct?

17. According to Darwin, the earth is at least how old?

18. Which of the following is NOT presented as a scientific criticism of Darwin’s theory?

19. How does Darwin explain the problems of the fossil record?

20. Which geological change in the earth’s history most affected the distribution of species?

21. What are rudimentary organs?

22. How might the seeds of a plant migrate to areas of geographic isolation?

23. Why is the system of classification so important to Darwin’s theory?

24. How do embryos provide clues for descent with modification?

25. What were the social theorists who attempted to apply Darwin’s theory to human society called?