View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Dawkins' metaphor about DNA, how does he describe the creation of new DNA by sexual reproduction?
(a) Two bookshelves are combined into one.
(b) Two books are combined into one two-volume work.
(c) Books from different shelves are mixed together on a new shelf.
(d) Pages are torn out of different books and put together.

2. To what does Dawkins attribute changes to female mice as the population rises?
(a) Random variation in individuals.
(b) Random variation within groups.
(c) Natural selection of individuals.
(d) Group selection.

3. What does Dawkins cite Medawar's study to help explain?
(a) Male fertility.
(b) Menstrual cycles.
(c) Male and female hormonal differences.
(d) Menopause.

4. What does Wynne-Edwards believe about birth rates?
(a) Birth rates are controlled by a combination of species and individual needs.
(b) Birth rates will always increase unless environmental factors intervene.
(c) Individuals might purposefully reduce birth rates for the good of the species.
(d) Species might regulate birth rates for individuals.

5. In the example that Dawkins gives, what do pigs sometimes do to the runt of the litter?
(a) Kick it away.
(b) Refuse to feed it.
(c) Allow the other piglets to attack it.
(d) Eat it.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Dawkins' examine of ESS simulations, what two kinds of creatures are there?

2. From a gene's point of view, what does Dawkins say an organism is equally related to?

3. To what does Dawkins attribute a male backing down from a powerful rival over territory?

4. How does Dawkins postulate that animals judge relatedness?

5. To what does Wynne-Edwards attribute changes to female mice as the population rises?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 361 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample