Question

Which of the following gives the best example of the "static worldview" discussed in the second paragraph?

• A. "In many ways, this situation changed dramatically with the arrival of Darwinism."
• B. "The thesis of a universal morphing of types shattered this cosmology, replacing the old world-view with a totally new one."
• C. "Among the things that had to change in light of Darwin's work was the very view of science held by most people."
• D. "Even those who did not believe that a divine being created an unchanging world were shaken by the new vistas opened up to science by his studies."
• E. "Though there might be many different kinds of creatures, the kinds themselves were not believed to change."

Hint:

For questions asking for an "example" or "definition" of a concept from a passage, look for the sentence that states the concept's meaning most directly. Incorrect options often describe the cause, effect, or reaction related to the concept, rather than the concept itself.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks for the best example of the "static worldview" from the given quotes. A "static worldview" is a perspective that things are fixed, stable, and unchanging. We need to find the option that directly describes this belief.

Step 2: Analyzing the Options in Context
The second paragraph introduces Darwinism as a challenge to the "static worldview." Let's examine each option:
(A) This sentence describes the change from the static worldview, not the worldview itself.
(B) This sentence describes how Darwin's thesis destroyed the old worldview, not what the old worldview was.
(C) This sentence describes a consequence of Darwin's work, a change in the view of science.
(D) This sentence describes the reaction to the new ideas that challenged the static worldview.
(E) This sentence provides a clear and direct definition of the static worldview in a biological context. It states the belief that "the kinds themselves were not believed to change." This is the essence of a static, or unchanging, view of nature.
Step 3: Final Answer
Option (E) is the only choice that explicitly defines the core belief of the "static worldview" as discussed in the passage—the idea that species are immutable. The other options all discuss the arrival of Darwinism and its effects, rather than defining the preceding belief system.