Page 1 - Question and Answers

The Making of a scientist Question and Answers

Q1) How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?

Ans) After Richard had collected all the 25 species of butterflies that were
found in his surroundings, he thought that it would be an end to butterfly
collection when his mom bought him a book named ‘Travels of Monarch X’ which
told him about how butterflies migrated to Central America. This book aroused an
interest in him for exploring more of what was to come and started studying more
about monarch butterflies.

Q2) How did his mother help him?

Ans) His mother played a turning role in the life of the scientist as she used to
buy him telescopes, microscopes, cameras, mounting equipment and used to try
to help him by getting him things to learn in the evening when he used to be free.
She also used to take him out on field trips and the book Travels of Monarch X
was also bought by her. So we can say that the mother played a very important
role in the making of what he was.

Q3) What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science
fair?

Ans) He learnt that just by showing neat and clean simple slides won't make him
win anything but the actual experiment that he will perform will help him win the
prize at any fair.

Q4) What experiments and projects does he then undertake?

Ans) He did an experiment to see the cause of the viral disease that kills nearly
all the monarchs after a few years and also took up a project to prove that the
viceroy butterflies copy monarchs to survive by behaving like them.

Q5) What are the qualities that go into the making of a scientist?

Ans) According to the chapter, there are three qualities that a person needs to
have to be a scientist. Firstly, a first - rated mind, secondly, curiosity and thirdly,
the will to win for the right reasons.