The Selfish Gene Quiz

Richard Dawkins

This Study Guide consists of approximately 50 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Selfish Gene.

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Take our free The Selfish Gene quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

Directions: Click on the correct answer.

Questions 1-5 of 25:

1.

What attribute of male birds of paradise does Zahavi say is a kind of boast that even with a dangerous physical characteristic, the bird is strong enough to survive? (from Chapter 9)

A bright, attractive pattern on its wings.

A brightly colored, easily seen headdress.

A beautifully feathered but uselessly structured foot.

A long, dragging tail.

2.

What type of animal brains does Dawkins say are most successful? (from Chapter 4)

Animal brians that can analyze input.

Animal brains that can communicate quickly.

Animal brians that can creat instinctive action.

Animal brains that can learn.

3.

In the example that Dawkins gives, what do pigs sometimes do to the runt of the litter? (from Chapter 8)

Allow the other piglets to attack it.

Eat it.

Kick it away.

Refuse to feed it.

4.

In Dawkins' discussion, what is the detriment of raising offspring, if there is something wrong with it? (from Chapter 8)

It will only have future offspring with the same problems.

It reduces the parent's resources to protect itself.

It takes more energy away from other offspring.

It does not pass on good genes.

5.

What hazard does the author identify in killing a rival? (from Chapter 5)

A stronger rival might take the rival's place.

The rival will no longer be able to cooperate to protect against enemies.

Others might try to revenge the rival.

The attacker might be ostracized for killing the rival.

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