Plants & Human Affairs (BIOL106)  -  Stephen G. Saupe, Ph.D.; Biology Department, College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, Collegeville, MN 56321; ssaupe@csbsju.edu; http://www.employees.csbsju.edu/ssaupe

Columbus Day � Some Scientific Considerations 

1. Explain why Columbus, an Italian moved to Portugal, but ultimately sailed under a Spanish flag.
    

2. A popular misconception is that the first voyage of Columbus proved that the Earth was round.  In fact, there are two major flaws with this misconception.
   
   (a)  Explain why the voyage of Columbus DIDN�T prove the Earth was round.  
   (b) Provide at least four lines of evidence that Columbus knew before the voyage
             that suggested the Earth was round.
    

3. Eratosthenes demonstrated the circumference of the Earth is 250,000 stadia (=25,000 miles; ca. 10 stadia/mile).  Explain how he derived this value.
    

4. Columbus estimated the length of his journey to be from 21-28 days, depending on winds. Explain how he derived this estimate.
    

5. Explain why Columbus departed from the Canaries, but on his return went north to reach the Azores.
    

6. Another popular misconception is that Columbus discovered �America.�  Explain.
    

7. Two types of algae played a role in Columbus voyage:  Sargassum species & Fucus (and Turbinaria).  Explain.
    

8. What and where is the Sargasso Sea? 
    

9. Name at least five plants that Columbus hoped to find at journey�s end.
    

10. Identify some plants that Columbus did find on his voyage?
     

11. Identify some consequences of the Columbus voyage?
     

12. Do you think that the voyage was good or bad?  Explain.
     

13. Read & explain the following poem

    With hocked gems financing him
    our hero bravely defied all scornful laughter
    that tried to prevent his scheme.
    Your eyes deceive he had said, an egg not a table
    describes this unexplored planet.
    Now three sturdy sisters sought proof,
    forging along through calm vastness.
    Days become weeks
    as many doubters spread
    fearful rumors about the edge.
    At last welcome winged creatures appeared
    signifying momentous success
     

14. Define or explain what is meant by each of the following:  native species, introduced species, exotic species, naturalized species?
     

15. How does domestication differ from cultivation?
     

16. For each of the following, indicate if it is native to the Old World or New World.

Last updated:  10/14/2008     � Copyright  by SG Saupe