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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 7.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the science fiction story Dawkins cites, what do the instructions make?
(a) A space ship.
(b) A computer.
(c) An energy generator.
(d) A time travel machine.

2. What does the Watt Governor machine regulate?
(a) How high it rises.
(b) How hot it becomes.
(c) How fast its arms spin.
(d) How heavy it becomes.

3. How does Dawkins define communication?
(a) A learned behavior that is founded in genetic behaviors linking multiple gene machines.
(b) A gene behavior that helps one group of genes survive by influencing the behavior of another.
(c) A mutually learned behavior resulting from genetic behaviors that help groups of gene machines maintain cohesiveness.
(d) A gene behavior that allows cooperation between multiple gene machines.

4. According to Dawkins, are the self-copying molecules that Dawkins discusses "life" or not?
(a) Dawkins says that they are definitely not "life."
(b) Dawkins says that they are a kind of "life," but not as we know it today.
(c) Dawkins says that they are definitely "life."
(d) Dawkins says it does not matter.

5. According to Dawkins, for whom does a bird regulate the number of eggs it lays?
(a) For the good of its genetic offspring.
(b) For the good of itself and its mate.
(c) For the good of itself.
(d) For the good of the species.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Dawkins' metaphor about DNA, what does the bookshelf represent?

2. What happens to baby birds if the parent does not find enough food for the group?

3. When a cell divides to make a new cell with identical DNA, what is the process called?

4. In Dawkins' metaphor about DNA, how many books are on the bookshelf?

5. What does Wynne-Edwards say happens when other animals communicate to the species that there is overpopulation?

(see the answer key)

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