- 1. On Growth and Form, published in 1917 by the biologist and mathematician D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson, is a seminal work that explores the relationship between the physical forms of living organisms and the mathematical principles that underlie them. Thompson posits that the shapes and structures of biological entities are not merely the result of evolutionary processes, but are also deeply influenced by mathematical and physical laws. He meticulously analyzes the growth patterns of various organisms, presenting striking examples from the animal kingdom, such as the intricate shells of mollusks and the proportional relationships found in skeletons. Through detailed illustrations and comprehensive analyses, Thompson elucidates how growth forms can be understood through geometry and mechanics, advocating for a quantitative approach to biological study. His work bridges the gap between the natural sciences and the humanities, emphasizing that understanding form is crucial to comprehending the nature of life itself. The book has had a profound impact on fields as diverse as biology, art, and philosophy, inspiring generations of scientists and artists to appreciate the beauty and complexity of form in the living world.
What year was 'On Growth and Form' first published?
A) 1932
B) 1917
C) 1927
D) 1905
- 2. Thompson argued that the forms of living things are a result of what?
A) Random chance alone
B) Physical and mathematical forces
C) Solely genetic programming
D) Divine creation
- 3. What famous mathematical sequence is discussed in relation to plant structures?
A) Euler's number
B) Pythagorean theorem
C) Pascal's triangle
D) Fibonacci sequence
- 4. Thompson frequently used what science to explain biological growth?
A) Chemistry
B) Astrology
C) Physics
D) Psychology
- 5. What is the main thesis of 'On Growth and Form'?
A) Life is unpredictable
B) Genes determine everything
C) Form follows function
D) Form is a diagram of forces
- 6. Thompson's analysis of a jellyfish's form compares it to what?
A) A solar system
B) A falling drop of liquid
C) A geometric cube
D) A musical instrument
- 7. What concept did Thompson use to compare related animal forms?
A) Cartesian transformations
B) Darwinian evolution
C) Chemical equations
D) Psychological profiles
- 8. Thompson was critical of what predominant biological theory of his time?
A) The germ theory of disease
B) The cell theory
C) The theory of relativity
D) Natural selection as the sole explanation
- 9. The arrangement of leaves on a stem is known as what?
A) Phylogenesis
B) Phylogeny
C) Photosynthesis
D) Phyllotaxis
- 10. Thompson served as a professor at which Scottish university?
A) University of Glasgow
B) University of St Andrews
C) University of Edinburgh
D) University of Aberdeen
- 11. What natural phenomenon does Thompson use to explain the hexagonal cells of a honeycomb?
A) Surface tension
B) Queen bee's指令
C) Bird predation
D) Wind erosion
- 12. What is D'Arcy Thompson's professional background?
A) Theologian
B) Medical doctor
C) Novelist
D) Mathematician and biologist
- 13. The second edition of 'On Growth and Form' was published in what year?
A) 1925
B) 1942
C) 1917
D) 1951
- 14. What does Thompson identify as a fundamental constraint on biological form?
A) The laws of mechanics
B) Atmospheric pressure only
C) The desires of the organism
D) Lunar cycles
- 15. What does Thompson conclude about the beauty of natural forms?
A) It arises from efficient physical solutions
B) It has no scientific explanation
C) It is an illusion
D) It is purely for attracting mates
- 16. What is a major criticism of Thompson's work?
A) He underestimated the role of genetics
B) His mathematics was incorrect
C) He plagiarized other scientists
D) He did not believe in evolution
- 17. Thompson's analysis of the nautilus shell demonstrates its form follows a:
A) Parallel lines
B) Fibonacci sequence
C) Logarithmic spiral
D) Golden ratio
- 18. Which animal's horn growth did Thompson analyze mathematically?
A) Deer
B) Rhino
C) Sheep
D) Bull
- 19. What physical principle explains why large animals have proportionally thicker legs?
A) Theory of relativity
B) Quantum mechanics
C) Law of gravity
D) Square-cube law
- 20. Which scientist praised 'On Growth and Form' as 'the finest work of literature in all science'?
A) Richard Dawkins
B) Peter Medawar
C) Stephen Jay Gould
D) J.B.S. Haldane
- 21. Thompson's work has experienced renewed interest due to advances in:
A) Computational modeling
B) Quantum computing
C) Genetic engineering
D) Nanotechnology
- 22. In his transformations, Thompson showed that differences in biological forms could be described by changes in what?
A) The number of chromosomes.
B) The coordinate system.
C) The average lifespan.
D) The organism's diet.
- 23. In what decade was the first edition of 'On Growth and Form' published?
A) 1930s.
B) 1910s.
C) 1850s.
D) 1890s.
- 24. D'Arcy Thompson's work is primarily a study of the relationship between biology and what other field?
A) Chemistry
B) Geology
C) Mathematics
D) Philosophy
- 25. What geometric shape does Thompson frequently use to explain the arrangement of cells?
A) Triangle
B) Hexagon
C) Square
D) Circle
- 26. Which ancient scientist's work on form and growth was a major influence on Thompson?
A) Aristotle
B) Plato
C) Pythagoras
D) Archimedes
- 27. What mathematical constant does Thompson discuss in relation to logarithmic spirals in nature?
A) Pi
B) The golden ratio
C) The imaginary unit
D) Euler's number
- 28. Thompson argues that the form of what marine organism perfectly illustrates the minimal surface area problem?
A) Radiolarian
B) Sea urchin
C) Coral
D) Jellyfish
- 29. Thompson frequently compares biological forms to structures formed by what natural phenomena?
A) Crystal growth
B) Sand dunes
C) Soap bubbles
D) Volcanic rock
- 30. Which scientific figure wrote the introduction to the 1942 edition of 'On Growth and Form'?
A) Bertrand Russell
B) Julian Huxley
C) Albert Einstein
D) J.B.S. Haldane
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