Question

consider the following proposition and, based on the quote, answer questions a through c
\if these particular geniuses galileo, columbus, darwin had never been born, their insights would probably have occurred to others\ - yuval noah harari, sapiens

a what would have happened if darwin had never been born?
a. darwins insights would have occurred to galileo and columbus.
b. darwins insights would have occurred to someone else.
c. darwins insights would have occurred to columbus.
d. darwins insights would not have occurred to someone else.

b. would the theory of evolution likely have been proposed if darwin had never been born?
a. yes, it likely would have been proposed by someone else.
b. no, since the theory of evolution is also called darwinism.
c. no, darwin is the only person who could have ever proposed the theory of evolution
d. yes, it would definitely would have been proposed by galileo

Explanation:

Part a

The quote states that if these particular geniuses (including Darwin) had never been born, their insights would probably have occurred to others. Option A is incorrect as Galileo and Columbus are in different fields and time periods, so their insights are different from Darwin's. Option C is wrong as Columbus was an explorer, not a scientist in Darwin's field. Option D contradicts the quote. So the correct answer is B.

The quote implies that important insights (like Darwin's theory of evolution) would be discovered by others if the original genius wasn't born. Option B is wrong because the name of the theory doesn't mean only Darwin could propose it. Option C is incorrect as the quote suggests others could have the insight. Option D is wrong as Galileo's work was in astronomy/ physics, not evolution. So the correct answer is A.

Answer:

B. Darwin's insights would have occurred to someone else.

Part b