In his 1863 lecture, what did Thomas Huxley argue was a significant challenge to Darwin’s theory of evolution?
- The inability of some species to produce fertile offspring when crossed
- The lack of fossil evidence supporting Darwin’s ideas
- The existence of rudimentary organs
- The fact that humans have a unique intelligence
Correct Answer: The inability of some species to produce fertile offspring when crossed
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley acknowledged that Darwin’s theory, at the time, could not fully explain hybrid sterility, where certain species cannot produce fertile offspring when crossed with each other. This was a significant challenge to Darwin’s ideas because it suggested a mechanism beyond the simple “descent with modification” that Darwin proposed.
Huxley uses the example of the horse to illustrate what key concept in Darwin’s theory?
- The importance of environmental conditions in shaping evolution
- The idea of rudimentary organs as remnants of ancestral structures
- The role of natural selection in driving the diversification of species
- The challenge of hybrid sterility in understanding evolution
Correct Answer: The idea of rudimentary organs as remnants of ancestral structures
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley points to the splint bones in a horse’s leg as an example of a rudimentary organ, suggesting they are remnants of toes that were present in the horse’s ancestors. This supports Darwin’s theory that organisms inherit traits from their ancestors, even if those traits are no longer functional.
What does Huxley argue is a powerful explanation for the presence of rudimentary organs?
- They are evidence of a “divine plan” for the creation of organisms
- They are accidental variations that have no evolutionary significance
- They are remnants of functional structures present in ancestral organisms
- They are a sign that evolution is an inefficient process
Correct Answer: They are remnants of functional structures present in ancestral organisms
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley sees rudimentary organs, like the splint bones in a horse’s leg, as remnants of functional structures that existed in ancestral organisms but have since lost their original function. This is consistent with Darwin’s idea of descent with modification, where organisms inherit traits from their ancestors, even if those traits are no longer used.
In his lecture, Huxley emphasizes the importance of what in understanding evolutionary processes?
- The study of human behavior
- The role of divine intervention
- The collection and analysis of evidence
- The reliance on intuition and personal belief
Correct Answer: The collection and analysis of evidence
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley’s lecture highlights the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry, emphasizing the centrality of evidence in supporting or refuting scientific hypotheses. This includes careful observation, data collection, and analysis, reflecting the importance of empirical evidence in understanding evolutionary processes.
What is the term for the tendency of an organism to exhibit traits of its ancestors, according to Huxley?
- Adaptation
- Atavism
- Variation
- Selection
Correct Answer: Atavism
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley introduces the term “atavism” to describe the tendency for organisms to inherit and express traits of their ancestors. This concept is key to understanding Darwin’s idea of descent with modification, where organisms inherit traits from their ancestors, even if those traits are no longer fully functional.
Huxley argues that Darwin’s theory provides a powerful explanation for what phenomenon?
- The existence of a single, unchanging species
- The structural differences among species
- The impossibility of change over time
- The idea that all organisms are perfectly adapted to their environment
Correct Answer: The structural differences among species
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley argues that Darwin’s theory offers a compelling explanation for the diversity of life we see around us, particularly the structural similarities and differences among species. This diversity, he argues, is the result of descent with modification, where organisms inherit traits from their ancestors and those traits are modified over time through natural selection.
What does Huxley mean when he refers to the “conditions of existence”?
- The internal factors that influence an organism’s development
- The external environmental factors that shape evolution
- The genetic makeup of an organism
- The social interactions between individuals in a population
Correct Answer: The external environmental factors that shape evolution
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley uses the phrase “conditions of existence” to refer to the external environmental factors that influence the survival and reproduction of organisms. These include climate, food availability, competition for resources, and predation. These conditions are key drivers of natural selection, influencing which traits are favored and passed on to future generations.
Huxley’s lecture highlights that Darwin’s theory faces a significant challenge in explaining what phenomenon?
- The presence of rudimentary organs
- The existence of fossils
- The diversity of life on Earth
- The inability of some species to produce fertile offspring when crossed
Correct Answer: The inability of some species to produce fertile offspring when crossed
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley acknowledges that Darwin’s theory, at the time, could not fully explain hybrid sterility, where certain species cannot produce fertile offspring when crossed with each other. This was a significant challenge to Darwin’s ideas because it suggested a mechanism beyond the simple “descent with modification” that Darwin proposed.
Which of these is NOT an example used by Huxley to illustrate a key point in Darwin’s theory?
- The horse’s splint bones
- The whalebone whale’s lack of teeth
- The shared roots of the English and Greek languages
- The evolution of human intelligence
Correct Answer: The evolution of human intelligence
Correct Answer Explanation: While human intelligence is a fascinating topic, Huxley primarily focuses on physical traits and structures in his lecture. He doesn’t use the evolution of human intelligence as a central example to explain Darwin’s theory.
Why does Huxley argue that the fossil record is important for understanding evolution?
- It provides direct evidence of how organisms change over time
- It allows us to identify the exact timing of the creation of species
- It proves that God created all living things
- It shows that fossils are more important than living organisms
Correct Answer: It provides direct evidence of how organisms change over time
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley sees the fossil record as a powerful tool for understanding evolution. He argues that the sequence of fossils found in different geological layers provides direct evidence of how organisms have changed over millions of years, supporting Darwin’s idea of descent with modification.
Huxley uses the example of the whalebone whale to illustrate what concept?
- The importance of atavism in evolution
- The role of rudimentary organs in understanding ancestry
- The way in which adaptation can lead to the loss of functional structures
- The challenge of explaining hybrid sterility
Correct Answer: The way in which adaptation can lead to the loss of functional structures
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley uses the whalebone whale as an example of how adaptation can lead to the loss of functional structures. The whalebone whale, unlike its toothed ancestors, has lost its teeth in the adult form, replacing them with whalebone plates for filtering food. This demonstrates how natural selection can lead to the loss of structures when those structures are no longer beneficial for survival.
Huxley argues that the English and Greek languages share similarities that support what idea?
- The common ancestry of language and biological organisms
- The universal nature of intelligence
- The importance of culture in shaping evolution
- The idea that organisms share common ancestors
Correct Answer: The idea that organisms share common ancestors
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley uses the shared roots between the English and Greek languages as an analogy to explain the structural similarities between different species. He argues that just as these languages share a common origin, so too do different species share a common ancestor.
What is the term used to describe the tendency for organisms to deviate from their ancestral traits, according to Huxley?
- Selection
- Variation
- Atavism
- Adaptation
Correct Answer: Variation
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley uses the term “variation” to describe the tendency for organisms to exhibit differences from their ancestors. This variation, he argues, is essential for natural selection because it provides the raw material for evolutionary change.
According to Huxley, why is the phenomenon of “persistent types” a significant observation?
- It shows that some organisms have remained remarkably stable over long periods
- It proves that all organisms are perfectly adapted to their environments
- It supports the idea that evolution is a very slow process
- It demonstrates that all organisms are constantly evolving
Correct Answer: It shows that some organisms have remained remarkably stable over long periods
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley observes that some groups of organisms have remained remarkably stable over long evolutionary periods, while other organisms have undergone significant change. He refers to these stable groups as “persistent types” and acknowledges that this observation requires further explanation.
Huxley argues that Darwin’s theory, although powerful, faces a significant challenge in explaining what?
- The diversity of life
- The existence of rudimentary organs
- The fossil record
- The inability of some species to produce fertile offspring when crossed
Correct Answer: The inability of some species to produce fertile offspring when crossed
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley acknowledges that Darwin’s theory, at the time, could not fully explain hybrid sterility, where certain species cannot produce fertile offspring when crossed with each other. This was a significant challenge to Darwin’s ideas because it suggested a mechanism beyond the simple “descent with modification” that Darwin proposed.
What does Huxley suggest is a key factor in driving the process of evolution?
- The conditions of existence
- The genetic makeup of organisms
- The intelligence of humans
- The presence of rudimentary organs
Correct Answer: The conditions of existence
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping the course of evolution. These “conditions of existence” include factors like climate, food availability, predation, and competition for resources. These conditions influence which traits are favored in a population, ultimately driving the process of natural selection.
Huxley’s lecture was delivered in what year?
- 1859
- 1863
- 1871
- 1882
Correct Answer: 1863
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley’s lecture was delivered in 1863, just a few years after Darwin published “On the Origin of Species” in 1859. The lecture offers a critical examination of Darwin’s work, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.
Which of the following is an example of a “persistent type” as described by Huxley?
- The horse
- The whalebone whale
- The rhinoceros
- Certain types of fish that have remained remarkably stable from the Carboniferous period to the Cretaceous period
Correct Answer: Certain types of fish that have remained remarkably stable from the Carboniferous period to the Cretaceous period
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley refers to the persistence of certain types of organisms over long periods as “persistent types.” He points to the example of fish families that have remained remarkably stable in their construction from the Carboniferous to the Cretaceous periods, highlighting the ability of some groups to resist significant evolutionary change.
Huxley uses the example of a watch to demonstrate what concept?
- The relationship between structure and function is not always directly proportional
- Small changes in structure can have significant effects on function
- The idea of rudimentary organs
- The complexity of the human brain
Correct Answer: Small changes in structure can have significant effects on function
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley uses the analogy of a watch to explain how minute changes in structure can lead to significant differences in function. He argues that even small variations in the intricate parts of a watch can have a profound impact on its overall functionality. This applies to organisms as well, where small changes in structures can lead to significant changes in how organisms function.
What does Huxley argue is a defining characteristic of human intelligence?
- The ability to solve complex mathematical problems
- The capacity for language
- The ability to use tools
- The power of observation
Correct Answer: The capacity for language
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley argues that the capacity for language is a defining characteristic of human intelligence. He highlights the power of language for communication, collaboration, and the transmission of knowledge across generations. This ability, he suggests, has been a key driver of the success of our species.
Huxley uses the example of the sheep and cow to illustrate what concept?
- The role of natural selection in driving adaptation
- The presence of rudimentary organs
- The importance of atavism in understanding evolutionary history
- The challenge of hybrid sterility
Correct Answer: The importance of atavism in understanding evolutionary history
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley uses the example of sheep and cows to illustrate the phenomenon of atavism, where organisms can sometimes exhibit traits of their ancestors, even if those traits are no longer fully functional. The presence of rudimentary teeth in calves indicates that these structures were functional in the evolutionary history of these animals.
Which of the following is a key takeaway from Huxley’s lecture?
- Darwin’s theory is perfect and needs no further modification
- The fossil record is an unreliable source of evidence for evolution
- Darwin’s theory is the most compelling explanation for the diversity of life currently available
- Hybrid sterility is not a significant challenge to Darwin’s theory
Correct Answer: Darwin’s theory is the most compelling explanation for the diversity of life currently available
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley acknowledges the challenges presented by hybrid sterility, but he ultimately argues that Darwin’s theory offers the most compelling explanation currently available for the origin and diversification of life. While acknowledging that further research is needed, Huxley maintains that Darwin’s ideas offer a powerful framework for understanding the history and diversity of life on Earth.
Which of these is NOT a factor that Huxley argues plays a role in the process of evolution?
- Atavism
- Variation
- Natural selection
- The creation of new species by divine intervention
Correct Answer: The creation of new species by divine intervention
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley, a staunch supporter of Darwin’s theory of evolution, rejects the idea of divine intervention in the creation of new species. He argues that evolution is a natural process driven by factors like atavism, variation, and natural selection, not by supernatural forces.
What does Huxley suggest is a key advantage humans have developed through evolution?
- The ability to fly
- The power of language
- The ability to camouflage
- The capacity for hibernation
Correct Answer: The power of language
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley highlights the power of language as a key advantage that has allowed humans to communicate, collaborate, and transmit knowledge across generations, driving the advancement of culture and technology.
Huxley’s lecture provides a valuable insight into what?
- The role of religion in science
- The scientific debate surrounding Darwin’s ideas
- The limitations of the fossil record
- The difficulty of proving evolution
Correct Answer: The scientific debate surrounding Darwin’s ideas
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley’s lecture, delivered in 1863, reflects the ongoing debate surrounding Darwin’s ideas. It highlights the intellectual challenges and controversies surrounding evolution as a scientific explanation for the diversity of life.
In his lecture, Huxley uses the example of the rhinoceros to demonstrate what concept?
- The importance of atavism in evolution
- The role of rudimentary organs in understanding ancestry
- The way in which adaptation can lead to the loss of functional structures
- The challenge of explaining hybrid sterility
Correct Answer: The role of rudimentary organs in understanding ancestry
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley uses the rhinoceros, with its well-developed toes, as an example of how rudimentary organs can provide insights into the evolutionary history of species. Comparing the rhinoceros to its close relative, the horse, which has lost or reduced toes, highlights how structures can be lost or modified over time, providing evidence for evolutionary change.
Which of these is NOT a term discussed by Huxley in his lecture?
- Adaptation
- Atavism
- Variation
- Speciation
Correct Answer: Speciation
Correct Answer Explanation: While Huxley discusses related concepts like adaptation and variation, the term “speciation” (the process by which new species arise) isn’t explicitly discussed in the provided context of his lecture.
What does Huxley suggest about the relationship between the structural differences between humans and other primates?
- They are more significant than previously believed
- They are less significant than previously believed
- They have no bearing on the relationship between humans and other primates
- They prove that humans are fundamentally different from other animals
Correct Answer: They are less significant than previously believed
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley argues that the structural differences between humans and other primates are not as significant as previously believed. This undermines the argument that humans are fundamentally different from other animals, supporting the idea that humans are part of the same evolutionary lineage.
Which of these is NOT a key concept discussed by Huxley in his lecture?
- The conditions of existence
- Atavism
- The challenge of hybrid sterility
- The role of divine intervention in shaping evolution
Correct Answer: The role of divine intervention in shaping evolution
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley rejects the idea of divine intervention in shaping evolution. He focuses on natural processes like the conditions of existence, atavism, and the challenges presented by hybrid sterility in explaining the diversity of life.
According to Huxley, what is the primary source of evidence for Darwin’s theory of evolution?
- The fossil record
- Human observation
- The study of genetics
- The writings of ancient philosophers
Correct Answer: The fossil record
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley argues that the fossil record provides strong evidence for Darwin’s theory of evolution. He suggests that the sequence of fossils found in different geological layers demonstrates how organisms have changed over time, supporting the idea of descent with modification.
Which of these examples DOES NOT illustrate the concept of atavism?
- The presence of rudimentary teeth in calves
- The splint bones in a horse’s leg
- The shared roots between English and Greek languages
- The ability of some snakes to develop hind limbs
Correct Answer: The shared roots between English and Greek languages
Correct Answer Explanation: While the shared roots between English and Greek languages are used as an analogy to demonstrate common ancestry, it’s not a direct example of atavism, which is the tendency of organisms to exhibit traits of their ancestors. Atavism focuses on physical traits, while the example of languages relates to shared origins in a more abstract sense.
Huxley emphasizes that Darwin’s theory, while compelling, needs to be what?
- Rejected
- Revered
- Rigorously tested
- Abandoned
Correct Answer: Rigorously tested
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley, while acknowledging the strength of Darwin’s ideas, emphasizes the need for constant testing and refinement of scientific theories. He believes that Darwin’s theory, like any scientific hypothesis, must be rigorously tested against evidence to ensure its validity and accuracy.
According to Huxley, what does the fossil record reveal about the history of life?
- A sudden and rapid appearance of diverse organisms
- A gradual succession of life forms over time
- The importance of divine intervention in shaping life
- The unchanging nature of species
Correct Answer: A gradual succession of life forms over time
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley argues that the fossil record, showing a gradual succession of life forms over time, supports Darwin’s theory of evolution. He suggests that fossils provide evidence for the idea of gradual change and modification of organisms over millions of years.
What is the term for the study of fossils?
- Archaeology
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Paleontology
Correct Answer: Paleontology
Correct Answer Explanation: Paleontology is the scientific study of fossils, which provides evidence for the history of life on Earth and helps us understand evolutionary processes.
Huxley’s lecture is an example of what?
- The importance of personal belief in science
- The challenges of proving a scientific theory
- The need for scientific inquiry
- The futility of seeking answers in the natural world
Correct Answer: The need for scientific inquiry
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley’s lecture, with its critical examination of Darwin’s work, emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry, the centrality of evidence, and the need for constant testing and refinement of scientific theories. He demonstrates how scientific inquiry is a process of questioning, exploring, and testing ideas to reach a better understanding of the natural world.
What is the term for the animal life of a particular region or period?
- Flora
- Fauna
- Flora and Fauna
- Taxonomy
Correct Answer: Fauna
Correct Answer Explanation: Fauna refers to the animal life of a particular region or period, while flora refers to the plant life.
What is NOT a key element of Huxley’s critical examination of Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species”?
- The inherent properties of organic matter
- The conditions of existence
- The importance of divine intervention
- The challenge of hybrid sterility
Correct Answer: The importance of divine intervention
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley, a strong supporter of Darwin’s theory, rejects the idea of divine intervention in shaping the natural world. He focuses on natural processes like the inherent properties of organic matter, the conditions of existence, and the challenge of hybrid sterility in explaining the diversity of life.
What does Huxley suggest is a key factor in the success of human intelligence?
- The ability to adapt to different environments
- The capacity for language
- The development of tools
- The power of observation
Correct Answer: The capacity for language
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley emphasizes the power of language as a key factor in the success of human intelligence. He suggests that language allows humans to communicate, collaborate, and transmit knowledge across generations, leading to advancements in culture and technology.
Huxley’s lecture demonstrates the importance of what in scientific inquiry?
- The search for absolute truths
- The acceptance of traditional knowledge
- The role of personal beliefs
- The use of evidence
Correct Answer: The use of evidence
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley’s lecture emphasizes the centrality of evidence in supporting or refuting scientific hypotheses. This includes careful observation, data collection, and analysis, highlighting the importance of empirical evidence in understanding and advancing scientific knowledge.
What does Huxley argue is a key driver of the evolutionary process?
- The will of God
- The intelligence of humans
- The conditions of existence
- The presence of rudimentary organs
Correct Answer: The conditions of existence
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in shaping the course of evolution. These “conditions of existence” include factors like climate, food availability, predation, and competition for resources. These conditions influence which traits are favored in a population, ultimately driving the process of natural selection.
According to Huxley, what does Darwin’s theory offer?
- A complete and final explanation for the diversity of life
- A compelling explanation for the origin and diversification of life
- A proof that evolution is a fact
- A guarantee that we will never have to change our understanding of evolution
Correct Answer: A compelling explanation for the origin and diversification of life
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley acknowledges that Darwin’s theory, while powerful, is not without its challenges and limitations. However, he argues that it offers the most compelling explanation currently available for the origin and diversification of life. He acknowledges that further research is needed but emphasizes the strength of Darwin’s ideas as a framework for understanding the history and diversity of life on Earth.
Huxley uses the example of pigeons to demonstrate what?
- The role of natural selection in driving adaptation
- The presence of rudimentary organs
- The importance of atavism in understanding evolutionary history
- The challenge of hybrid sterility
Correct Answer: The role of natural selection in driving adaptation
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley uses the example of domestic pigeons to illustrate how selective breeding by humans can create distinct varieties within a single species. He argues that this process mirrors the way natural selection acts in the wild, where organisms with traits that make them better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to future generations. This process, he suggests, can lead to the diversification of species over time.
In his lecture, what does Huxley argue is essential for the advancement of scientific knowledge?
- The use of intuition
- The acceptance of tradition
- The reliance on personal belief
- The constant testing of theories
Correct Answer: The constant testing of theories
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley, a staunch supporter of scientific inquiry, emphasizes the importance of constantly testing and refining scientific theories. He argues that no theory, no matter how compelling, should be accepted as absolute truth. Instead, scientific theories must be continually challenged and tested against evidence to ensure their accuracy and validity.
What does Huxley suggest is a key aspect of the evolutionary process?
- The sudden and rapid appearance of new species
- The gradual and ongoing change in organisms
- The importance of divine intervention
- The unchanging nature of life
Correct Answer: The gradual and ongoing change in organisms
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley, a staunch supporter of Darwin’s theory, emphasizes the idea that evolution is a gradual and ongoing process. He argues that organisms change over time, adapting to their environments and diversifying into new species.
What is Huxley’s overall stance on Darwin’s theory of evolution?
- He completely rejects Darwin’s ideas
- He strongly supports Darwin’s ideas but acknowledges challenges
- He believes that Darwin’s theory is flawed but promising
- He is indifferent to Darwin’s theory
Correct Answer: He strongly supports Darwin’s ideas but acknowledges challenges
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley, a strong supporter of Darwin’s ideas, argues that Darwin’s theory offers the most compelling explanation currently available for the origin and diversification of life. However, he acknowledges challenges presented by hybrid sterility and emphasizes the need for ongoing research and refinement of Darwin’s theory.
Huxley’s lecture emphasizes what key concept in Darwin’s theory?
- The importance of the fossil record
- The role of natural selection
- The power of human intelligence
- The existence of a divine creator
Correct Answer: The role of natural selection
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley’s lecture highlights the role of natural selection as a key driving force in evolution. He argues that organisms with traits that make them better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to future generations. This process, he suggests, leads to the gradual modification and diversification of species over time.
According to Huxley, what is the primary focus of his lecture?
- To prove Darwin’s theory beyond doubt
- To refute Darwin’s theory
- To provide a critical examination of Darwin’s work
- To explain the origins of life on Earth
Correct Answer: To provide a critical examination of Darwin’s work
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley’s lecture is not aimed at simply proving or refuting Darwin’s theory but rather at offering a critical examination of Darwin’s work. He acknowledges both the strengths and weaknesses of Darwin’s theory, highlighting its powerful explanatory potential while also pointing out challenges that need further investigation.
Huxley’s lecture underscores what aspect of Darwin’s ideas?
- Their lack of scientific rigor
- Their revolutionary nature
- Their reliance on religious dogma
- Their inability to explain the diversity of life
Correct Answer: Their revolutionary nature
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley’s lecture underscores the revolutionary nature of Darwin’s ideas and their enduring relevance to understanding the history and diversity of life. He highlights how Darwin’s theory challenged the prevailing view of creation and sparked vigorous debate and discussion about our understanding of the natural world.
Huxley’s lecture was delivered at a time of what?
- Intense debate and controversy surrounding Darwin’s theory
- widespread acceptance of Darwin’s theory
- rejection of Darwin’s theory by the scientific community
- a lack of interest in Darwin’s work
Correct Answer: Intense debate and controversy surrounding Darwin’s theory
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley’s lecture, delivered in 1863, just a few years after Darwin published “On the Origin of Species,” reflects the intense debate and controversy surrounding Darwin’s revolutionary ideas. Darwin’s theory challenged the prevailing view of creation and sparked a vigorous exchange of ideas and arguments within the scientific community.
What does Huxley suggest is a key aspect of scientific inquiry?
- The reliance on tradition
- The search for absolute truths
- The importance of evidence
- The role of personal belief
Correct Answer: The importance of evidence
Correct Answer Explanation: Huxley emphasizes the centrality of evidence in supporting or refuting scientific hypotheses. This includes careful observation, data collection, and analysis, highlighting the importance of empirical evidence in understanding and advancing scientific knowledge.