1.  Overview
The British achieve their goal as they collect data and obtain evidence about the astonishing discoveries about Maple White Land.  They now redirect their energy and strategic planning to escape and return to civilization.  Professor Challenger offers a scientific explanation for the existence of the anthropoid apes.  Mr. Malone is fiercely attacked by an ape-man, but escapes his near-death experience by the help of Lord John.  The natives rescue the white men and all agree to join forces and exterminate the ape-men.  Victoriously, the men battle and conquer the beasts.  The surviving ape-folk now fall into servitude to the Indians.  After the bloody war, two enormous, toad-like creatures attack, which the Indians finally kill by shooting their poison-dipped spears.  Mr. Malone briefly describes the other various creatures and beasts he observes and dangerously encounters.  The Indians desire the permanent residence of the British upon the plateau.  As a result, the party realizes that their plans to depart must be kept confidential.  The men's fear and yearning for home has encouraged Professor Challenger to create a home-made parachute as a vehicle to descend from the plateau.
2.  Analysis
  The theme conveyed is “Survival of the fittest.”  The stronger and superior survive, while the weaker perish or are ruled by the strong.  Conan Doyle clearly demonstrates this concept as he describes the battle between man verses ape-man.  “Survival of the Fittest” is applied because the human species, physically and strategically, dominate over the anthropoid apes.  Even though the ape-men are massive and strong, they are heavy which puts them at a disadvantage because they move too slowly in order to fight competitively; whereas the Indians are quick on their feet, agile, physically fit and are all around natural warriors.  The ape-men fight with clubs and stones, but because they do not move quickly enough, they often miss their darting Indian targets.  Whereas the Indians with their swift movements; are expert target shooters, defend themselves with spears and arrows.  The ape-men’s physical condition, weaponry and fighting tactics are not strategic enough to win the battle against the men, “It was a valiant move but a foolish one, for the great bandy-legged creatures were slow of foot, while their opponents were as active as cats.  It was horrible to see the fierce brutes with foaming mouths and glaring eyes, rushing and gasping, but for ever missing their elusive enemies, while arrow after arrow buried itself in their hides” (Conan Doyle 158).  The Indians also have the additional aid of the party's protection and their deadly rifles.  Under these conditions, I find the outcome to be easily predictable and obvious that man would eventually conquer beast and in all, they do, “At last man was to be supreme and the man-beast to find for ever his allotted place” (Conan Doyle 159).  Lastly, the remaining ape-folk, such as the females and children, become servants to the Indians just as slaves are to masters.
3.  Questions
 a. Why does Lord John become excited when he discovers blue clay?
b. What is the true meaning behind the Indians’ hospitality toward the British?