Darwin's Black Box by Michael J. Behe

Darwin's Black Box by Michael J. Behe - Exam

1. In 'Darwin's Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution', Michael J. Behe presents a compelling argument against the standard evolutionary narrative by introducing the concept of 'irreducible complexity'. Behe, a biochemist, explores molecular systems in living organisms, asserting that certain biological structures are too complex to have evolved from simpler, functional predecessors through natural selection. Using examples such as the bacterial flagellum and the immune system, he argues that these intricate systems require multiple components to function and that removing any one component would result in a non-functional system, thereby suggesting that they could not have arisen through gradual evolutionary processes. Throughout the book, Behe critiques the ability of neo-Darwinian evolution to account for the complexity of biological life and suggests that such complexity points towards intelligent design as a more plausible explanation. The work has sparked significant debate in the scientific community and among the general public, positioning Behe at the forefront of the intelligent design movement and challenging readers to reconsider widely accepted views of evolution.

What does Behe mean by the term 'irreducible complexity'?

A) A system that ceases to function if any one of its parts is removed.
B) A system that is too complex for science to understand.
C) A system that can be simplified without losing function.
D) A system that evolves through a series of minor changes.

2. Which of the following does Behe use as a primary example of an irreducibly complex system?

A) The human eye.
B) The bacterial flagellum.
C) A bird's wing.
D) A plant leaf.

3. According to Behe, what is the 'black box' that Darwin could not open?

A) The laws of physics.
B) The human brain.
C) The fossil record.
D) The cell and its molecular machinery.

4. What scientific discipline does Behe argue provides the strongest challenge to Darwinian evolution?

A) Biochemistry.
B) Geology.
C) Paleontology.
D) Ecology.

5. How does Behe propose irreducibly complex systems came into existence?

A) They were designed by an intelligent agent.
B) They arose through gradual, step-by-step natural selection.
C) They evolved from simpler, functioning systems.
D) They are the result of random chemical reactions.

6. What is the mousetrap analogy used to illustrate?

A) The simplicity of evolutionary pathways.
B) The concept of irreducible complexity.
C) The randomness of mutation.
D) The efficiency of natural selection.

7. What does Behe say about the role of random mutation in creating complex biochemical systems?

A) It is insufficient to account for their origin.
B) It works in conjunction with divine intervention.
C) It is a proven mechanism for all complexity.
D) It is the primary driving force.

8. According to Behe, what is the main problem with 'co-option' as an evolutionary explanation for irreducible complexity?

A) It violates the laws of chemistry.
B) It is a well-documented process in the fossil record.
C) It requires multiple parts to be available and integrated simultaneously.
D) It is too simple an explanation for complex systems.

9. What does Behe conclude about the origin of the blood-clotting cascade?

A) It evolved from a single protein.
B) It is irreducibly complex and points to design.
C) It is not a valid example for scientific study.
D) It is a simple system easily explained by evolution.

10. How does Behe respond to the claim that intelligent design is not science?

A) He states that science cannot study origins.
B) He argues it is based on observable, empirical evidence.
C) He claims it is a philosophical argument only.
D) He agrees and says it is a matter of faith.

11. What does Behe say about the relationship between intelligent design and the identity of the designer?

A) The theory does not identify the designer.
B) The designer must be the God of the Bible.
C) The theory proves the designer is supernatural.
D) The designer is an alien civilization.

12. What does Behe mean by 'purposeful arrangement of parts'?

A) The geographical distribution of species.
B) The random assembly of molecules.
C) Aesthetic beauty in nature.
D) The components of a system interact to perform a specific function.

13. What does Behe argue about the probability of irreducibly complex systems arising by chance?

A) It is a virtual certainty over long time periods.
B) It is mathematically impossible to calculate.
C) It is the most likely explanation.
D) It is astronomically low.

14. What is Behe's stance on common descent?

A) He completely rejects it.
B) He argues it is disproven by the fossil record.
C) He accepts it as a plausible explanation for the relatedness of species.
D) He believes it is the only mechanism for evolution.

15. How does Behe define a 'black box' in science?

A) A theoretical concept with no real-world application.
B) A simple system that is fully understood.
C) A device used in laboratory experiments.
D) A system whose inner workings are unknown.

16. What is the significance of the title 'Darwin's Black Box'?

A) It refers to the cell, a black box of complexity unknown to Darwin.
B) It is the name of a missing notebook from Darwin.
C) It is a metaphor for Darwin's secret doubts.
D) It describes a specific experiment Darwin conducted.

17. What does Behe argue about the fossil record's relevance to his thesis?

A) It is the strongest evidence for his argument.
B) It is largely silent on the origin of complex molecular systems.
C) It conclusively disproves common descent.
D) It provides direct evidence for intelligent design.

18. How does Behe distinguish his argument from 'God of the gaps' reasoning?

A) He claims the evidence for design is positive, based on what we know, not what we don't know.
B) He argues that all gaps in knowledge prove God's existence.
C) He says there is no distinction.
D) He admits it is a 'God of the gaps' argument.

19. What is the central metaphor Michael Behe uses to describe irreducible complexity?

A) A mousetrap
B) A computer
C) A car engine
D) A Swiss watch

20. What is another biochemical example of irreducible complexity discussed by Behe?

A) The blood-clotting cascade
B) Photosynthesis
C) Cellular respiration
D) Protein synthesis

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