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Darwin's Black Box by Michael J. Behe - Exam
Contributed by: Miah
  • 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 can be simplified without losing function.
B) A system that evolves through a series of minor changes.
C) A system that is too complex for science to understand.
D) A system that ceases to function if any one of its parts is removed.
  • 2. Which of the following does Behe use as a primary example of an irreducibly complex system?
A) The human eye.
B) A plant leaf.
C) A bird's wing.
D) The bacterial flagellum.
  • 3. According to Behe, what is the 'black box' that Darwin could not open?
A) The human brain.
B) The cell and its molecular machinery.
C) The fossil record.
D) The laws of physics.
  • 4. What scientific discipline does Behe argue provides the strongest challenge to Darwinian evolution?
A) Paleontology.
B) Ecology.
C) Geology.
D) Biochemistry.
  • 5. How does Behe propose irreducibly complex systems came into existence?
A) They arose through gradual, step-by-step natural selection.
B) They were designed by an intelligent agent.
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 efficiency of natural selection.
B) The concept of irreducible complexity.
C) The simplicity of evolutionary pathways.
D) The randomness of mutation.
  • 7. What does Behe say about the role of random mutation in creating complex biochemical systems?
A) It works in conjunction with divine intervention.
B) It is insufficient to account for their origin.
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 is too simple an explanation for complex systems.
B) It requires multiple parts to be available and integrated simultaneously.
C) It is a well-documented process in the fossil record.
D) It violates the laws of chemistry.
  • 9. What does Behe conclude about the origin of the blood-clotting cascade?
A) It is not a valid example for scientific study.
B) It evolved from a single protein.
C) It is a simple system easily explained by evolution.
D) It is irreducibly complex and points to design.
  • 10. How does Behe respond to the claim that intelligent design is not science?
A) He agrees and says it is a matter of faith.
B) He states that science cannot study origins.
C) He claims it is a philosophical argument only.
D) He argues it is based on observable, empirical evidence.
  • 11. What does Behe say about the relationship between intelligent design and the identity of the designer?
A) The designer is an alien civilization.
B) The designer must be the God of the Bible.
C) The theory proves the designer is supernatural.
D) The theory does not identify the designer.
  • 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 astronomically low.
B) It is the most likely explanation.
C) It is a virtual certainty over long time periods.
D) It is mathematically impossible to calculate.
  • 14. What is Behe's stance on common descent?
A) He believes it is the only mechanism for evolution.
B) He completely rejects it.
C) He argues it is disproven by the fossil record.
D) He accepts it as a plausible explanation for the relatedness of species.
  • 15. How does Behe define a 'black box' in science?
A) A theoretical concept with no real-world application.
B) A device used in laboratory experiments.
C) A simple system that is fully understood.
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 describes a specific experiment Darwin conducted.
C) It is the name of a missing notebook from Darwin.
D) It is a metaphor for Darwin's secret doubts.
  • 17. What does Behe argue about the fossil record's relevance to his thesis?
A) It is largely silent on the origin of complex molecular systems.
B) It conclusively disproves common descent.
C) It is the strongest evidence for his argument.
D) It provides direct evidence for intelligent design.
  • 18. How does Behe distinguish his argument from 'God of the gaps' reasoning?
A) He argues that all gaps in knowledge prove God's existence.
B) He claims the evidence for design is positive, based on what we know, not what we don't know.
C) He admits it is a 'God of the gaps' argument.
D) He says there is no distinction.
  • 19. What is the central metaphor Michael Behe uses to describe irreducible complexity?
A) A mousetrap
B) A Swiss watch
C) A car engine
D) A computer
  • 20. What is another biochemical example of irreducible complexity discussed by Behe?
A) Cellular respiration
B) The blood-clotting cascade
C) Photosynthesis
D) Protein synthesis
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