medium · SAT Reading & Writing
Victorian entomology—the study of insects—was characterized by a massive effort to collect and classify new species from across the British Empire. Historian Dr. Mark Evans notes that this scientific endeavor was often indistinguishable from the colonial project itself. Collecting rare specimens was seen as a way of 'mapping' the empire's resources, and the display of exotic insects in London museums served to demonstrate British control over far-flung territories.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
- Victorian scientists were the first to accurately classify many of the world's insect species.
- Exotic insects were displayed in London museums to educate the public about biology.
- Dr. Mark Evans believes that Victorian entomology was a more political than scientific pursuit.
- The study of insects in the Victorian era was closely linked to the goals of British colonialism.
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