Thomas Jefferson and the Moose: A Scientific Battle

What analogy is used to describe countries in the introduction?

• Countries are like schools with students.

• Countries are like businesses with profits.

• Countries are like families with traditions.

• Countries are like sports teams with mascots.

What was the main claim of Buffon's theory of American degeneracy?

• American species were inferior to Old World species.

• American species were equal to Old World species.

• American species were unrelated to Old World species.

• American species were superior to Old World species.

How did Thomas Jefferson initially respond to Buffon's claims?

• By moving to France.

• By agreeing with them.

• By writing a book to refute them.

• By ignoring them.

What animal did Jefferson mistakenly believe was a mammoth?

• A woolly rhinoceros

• A saber-toothed tiger

• A mastodon

• A giant sloth

What was Jefferson's final plan to disprove Buffon's theory?

• To send a live elephant to France.

• To organize a scientific conference.

• To write another book.

• To send a stuffed moose to France.

Who helped Jefferson procure the moose?

• Alexander Hamilton

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• General John Sullivan

What happened to Buffon's theory after the moose was sent to France?

• It was proven correct.

• It was never published again.

• It was expanded upon.

• It was immediately accepted.

Which American author attacked Buffon's ideas in his writings?

• Mark Twain

• Washington Irving

• Edgar Allan Poe

• Nathaniel Hawthorne

What did Jefferson's efforts contribute to in America?

• A decline in scientific interest.

• A new political party.

• A decrease in exploration.

• A sense of national pride and identity.

What book is recommended for more information on this story?

• Mr. Jefferson and the Giant Moose

• The Federalist Papers

• The Origin of Species

• The Wealth of Nations